Misir Wat -Ethiopian Red Lentils

Misir WatThis is a follow up on my adventures in putting together an Ethiopian meal. Misir Wat is a very easy and flavorful take red lentil. It is common on a typical platter, right alongside their pale yellow companion, Yekik Alicha.

Bolder and spicier, Misir Wat adds a nice pop of brightness to your Ethiopian platter. In today’s somewhat frugal climate, this recipe is a perfect way to brighten your meals. So how do we make Misir Wat?

What is a Wat or Wot in Ethiopian or Eritian cuisine

A well-seasoned stew is referred to as a Wat also spelt Wot. Ethiopia’s national dish made with chicken is called Doro Wat.

My Missir Wat Story

My ridiculously simple recipe uses home made Berebere a gorgeous fragrant spice mix. Then instead of Nitir Kibbeh, I use ghee (but add in a few extra spices).  And at the heart of this is softly caramelized onions. I do not usually use the sauté feature on low or medium but do so for this recipe. And it is so well worth the effort. The good thing is that with the instant pot or electric pressure cooker, you are able to maintain an even temperature while it cooks.

How to Enjoy Misir Wat

Now after that, you are down to pushing a few buttons. And voila, you have a lovely soothing red lentil stew.  Traditionally enjoyed with injera, it tastes great with any other flatbread or even steamed rice. I did a first try with the injera, I am still working on something that I am truly happy with.

Misir Wat

And, my before I go further, is my gratitude thought for the day/post. I am glad that my children enjoy the simple pleasure of life. I am able to hype little things like exploring a new style of cooking and keep them happy for the moment.

In fact, my daughter is coping with all the interruptions this pandemic is posing to her plans for getting ready for college. She is processing all the information with some sadness and general disappointment. I am grateful to her school for how effectively they have transitioned to distance learning.

Misir Wat

 

And for now, here is a pretty authentic tasting and very easy recipe for Misir Wat.

If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot  and Air Fryer Facebook group .

Of course Instant Indian is here, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.

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Misir Wat -Ethiopian Red Lentils

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Misir Wat -Ethiopian Red Lentils

An easy recipe for Ethiopian red lentils or Misir Wat.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons ghee (use coconut oil to keep this vegan)
  • 1 or 2 black cardamoms (optional, and used to flavor the ghee)
  • 2 red onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup of red lentils
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt to taste
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons berebere spice

Instructions

  1. Turn the instant pot on the saute mode. Add in the ghee. Heat the ghee for 2 minutes. Add in the black cardamoms. Reduce the saute temperature to medium heat.
  2. Add in the onions, garlic, and the ginger. Continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally until the onions wilt down and turn softly golden. This will take about 25 to 30 minutes.
  3. Add in the tomato paste, lentils, salt and berebere spice. Turn off the heat. Remove the black cardamoms.
  4. Add in the 1 and 1/2 cups water (can be vegetable broth if you wish) a set to 12 minutes of high pressure and allow a natural release.
  5. Remove the cover and stir well. Serve with a salad and your choice of a flatbread.

Notes

To do this on the stove top, you can follow the above instructions and cook this in a heavy bottomed pan. Increase the water by 1 cup and simmer this low and slow for about 45 minutes, until the lentils are soft and creamy.

https://spicechronicles.com/misir-wat-ethiopian-red-lentils/

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