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Hearty Misir Wot Recipe Easy Vegan Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

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A soulful, vibrant Ethiopian red lentil stew that is hearty, vegan, and packed with bold flavors from slow-cooked onions and berbere spice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed well
  • 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups (720ml) vegetable broth, low sodium preferred
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  • Water, as needed for consistency

Instructions

  1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown and become soft.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of berbere spice and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pot. Stir well, coating the onions and letting the spices toast slightly for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour in the rinsed red lentils, then add 3 cups (720ml) of vegetable broth. Stir everything together, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add water or broth if the stew becomes too thick.
  6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice just before serving, if desired.

Notes

Slow caramelization of onions is crucial for deep flavor; do not rush this step. Toast spices in hot oil to unlock full flavor. Rinse lentils thoroughly to avoid grit. Adjust liquid to maintain stew consistency. Lemon juice brightens the stew just before serving. For a slow cooker version, caramelize onions first, then cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: misir wot, Ethiopian lentil stew, vegan stew, red lentils, berbere spice, vegan Ethiopian recipe, plant-based stew, gluten-free stew

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