Sweet and Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Misir Wot
A hearty vegan lentil stew simmered with berbere spices and aromatic onions, perfect served over rice or traditional injera bread. This ethiopian-inspired vegan ready in about 45 minutes pairs red lentils, rinsed, yellow onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp berbere oil or chili oil (optional)
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 medium finely chopped yellow onions and sauté for 8 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1.5 tbsp berbere spice blend, cooking 2 minutes until aromatic and the oil turns reddish.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, mixing thoroughly for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils and 3 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are soft and stew thickens.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and drizzle 1 tbsp berbere oil or chili oil if desired for extra heat. Serve warm over rice or injera bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet and Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Misir Wot take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sweet and Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Misir Wot?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep red lentils, rinsed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Misir Wot?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sweet and Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Misir Wot for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sweet and Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Misir Wot vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a cold evening. My husband and kids loved the rich, spicy lentils. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
This was my first time making misir wot and it turned out amazing! The sweet and spicy balance is spot on.
- ★★★★☆
Takes about 45 minutes to cook, longer than expected, but the flavor is incredible. Served with fresh bread.
