Misir Wot (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils)

Name: Misir Wot (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Ethiopia
Ingredients: 2 cups red lentils, rinsed; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 tbsp niter kibbeh or oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 2-3 tbsp berbere spice blend; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 cups water; Salt to taste

Misir Wot (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils) photo 1

4 servings10 min prep30 min cookEasy Ethiopia

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Misir Wot (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils)

Story updated September 17, 2026

Misir wot, red lentils simmered in berbere and onions until thick and deep red, is another Ethiopian Orthodox fasting-day staple, since lentils provide protein without meat or dairy. Like other wats, it showcases how Ethiopia's long fasting calendar shaped a whole tradition of flavorful vegetarian cooking, built on the same berbere-and-onion base used for meat stews.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

2 cups red lentils, rinsed
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 tbsp niter kibbeh or oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
2-3 tbsp berbere spice blend
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 cups water
Salt to taste

Instructions

1Cook the onion in niter kibbeh over medium heat until deeply golden, about 12 minutes.
2Add garlic and ginger and cook 2 minutes.
3Stir in berbere and tomato paste and cook 2 minutes until darkened.
4Add the lentils and water and bring to a boil.
5Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft and the stew has thickened.
6Season with salt and add a splash more water if it becomes too thick.
7Serve hot with injera.

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