Ethiopian Misr Wot

Ethiopian Misr Wot

SpiceBreeze
Misr Wot is a hearty Ethiopian lentil stew, rich with deep flavors and warming spices. Made with red lentils simmered in a fragrant sauce of onions, garlic, and berbere spice, it develops a bold, slightly smoky heat balanced by the lentils’ natural creaminess. Traditionally served with injera, the spongy sourdough flatbread, Misr Wot is a staple of Ethiopian cuisine, offering a comforting and satisfying plant-based dish.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ethiopian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 cup red lentils [1] rinsed well

Fresh Produce

  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 4-6 cloves garlic grated or pressed

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 2 cups broth vegetable or any other
  • vegetable oil [2]
  • salt & pepper

Berbere Culinary Spice Kit

  • Ethiopian red chili pepper, onion, garlic, cardamom, basil, ajwain, salt, spices

Optional

  • 1-3 chilies quartered

Suggested Sides

  • rice cooked or steamed
  • flat bread (Ethiopian injera [3] recommended)
  • tomato cucumber salad with a light dressing

Instructions
 

  • In a small POT, add onions and 1/2 tsp salt.
  • Cover and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add 3 tbsp oil, stir well.
  • Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until the onions begin to brown, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to burn the onions.
  • Add garlic to taste and berbere spices. Mix well.
  • Add broth, cover, bring to a broil, and cook for 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Add Lentils

  • Add lentils, 1/2 cup of water, and salt to taste. Mix well.
  • Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add a bit of water. When done, the lentils should be soft but not mushy.

Serve

  • Serve with your preferred side.
  • Optionally, garnish with chilies to taste.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] Most red lentils in common grocery stores are split lentils. As a substitute use yellow split lentils.
[2] Ethiopian seasoned oil recommended.
[3] From an Ethiopian store, if available, or try our shortcut recipe below.
Ethiopian Injera

Ethiopian Injera - Shortcut Version

Injera is best made with teff flour. This gluten-free grain is increasingly available in grocery stores with a wide product selection. Of course, Amazon has it too.

Authentic Ethiopian injera requires a long preparation time and many steps spread over several days. The baking requires a special pan dedicated only for injera and years of experience. Our shortcut recipe skips the long preparation and can be made on a regular pan. Though the spongy texture can't be reached, the use of teff flour creates an authentic flavor and is fun to eat.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup teff flour
  • salt
  • baking soda
  • 2 tbsp yogurt, plain

Instructions

Batter

In a BOWL, mix teff with a dash of salt and baking soda.

Add 3/4 cup of water and the yogurt.

Bake

Heat a dry PAN over medium heat.

Add 1/4 cup of the batter in the center of the PAN.

Tilt the PAN with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.

Cover and cook until the batter is dried, about 2 to 5 minutes. Don't turn it.

 

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