Ethiopia on your plate: Check out this misir wot recipe
Misir wot, an Ethiopian staple, is a spicy lentil stew rich in flavor and nutrition. This dish hails from the Horn of Africa and is deeply embedded in Ethiopian culture. Often served with injera, a sourdough flatbread, it's a vegetarian favorite known for its aromatic spice blend. Ready to cook? Let's bring Ethiopia's culinary essence to your kitchen.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare misir wot, you'll need one cup of red lentils, two cups of water, two tablespoons of olive oil, one large onion finely chopped, three cloves of garlic minced, one tablespoon of ginger minced, two tablespoons of berbere spice mix, one can (eight ounces) of tomato sauce, salt to taste, and chopped cilantro for garnish.
Prepare the lentils
Begin by rinsing the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for removing any debris and excess starch. In a medium pot, combine the lentils with two cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
Saute aromatics and spices
As the lentils simmer, warm two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over a medium flame. Introduce the finely chopped onion, stirring until it becomes translucent. Blend in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for two more minutes. Next, incorporate the berbere spice mix, sauteing briefly, about half a minute, to unlock the aromatic qualities of the spices.
Combine lentils with sauce
Once the aromatics and spices are toasted, pour in the tomato sauce to form your base. Gently simmer for five minutes, allowing the flavors to integrate. If there's excess water from the lentils, drain it before adding them to the sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring the lentils are fully coated with the flavorful sauce for even cooking and taste.
Final touches
Allow the lentils to simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring they soak up the rich spices and flavors from the sauce. During this final cooking phase, adjust the seasoning with salt as per your taste preference. Serve this hearty misir wot hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy it with warm injera or rice to complete this traditional Ethiopian meal.
