Ethiopian lentil stew, known as Misir Wot (or Yemisir Wat), is a spicy, vegan red lentil dish simmered in berbere spice, forming a thick, flavorful staple of Ethiopian vegetarian platters served with injera.
What is Misir Wot?
Misir Wot translates to “lentil stew” in Amharic, where “misir” means lentils and “wot” (wat) denotes a thick, spiced stew fundamental to Ethiopian cuisine. Made with split red lentils cooked down to a creamy texture in a berbere-infused base of caramelized onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan. A milder version, Alicha Misir Wot, uses turmeric for subtle flavors without the intense heat.
Flavor Profile and Taste
Misir Wot tastes boldly spicy and earthy with berbere’s fiery blend of chili, fenugreek, cumin, coriander, and cardamom creating smoky, warming depth balanced by sweet caramelized onions. The lentils break down into a rich, velvety sauce with tangy tomato notes and aromatic garlic-ginger undertones, offering comforting umami unlike milder lentil dals. Paired with injera’s sour tang, it tempers the heat for a satisfying, scoopable bite.
Key Ingredients and Spices
Berbere spice drives the flavor, a hot mix of chili powder, paprika, fenugreek, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and allspice. Core components include red split lentils, onions, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, olive oil or niter kibbeh, and water or broth; optional cardamom adds floral notes. Salt and cilantro finish it for freshness.
How to Make Misir Wot (Simple Recipe)
Sauté diced onions in oil until soft, then add garlic, ginger, tomato paste, berbere, and chili powder; cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Rinse red lentils, stir in with diced tomatoes and water; simmer covered 30-40 minutes until creamy, adding water as needed. Adjust spice and salt; serve hot with injera or rice.
Where to Find Misir Wot
In Addis Ababa, Misir Wot appears on vegetarian platters at local eateries, often with injera during daily meals or aserar gatherings. Search “Misir Wot near me” for Ethiopian restaurants globally; it’s a go-to vegan option.
FAQ
What is Ethiopian lentil stew (Misir Wot)?
Misir Wot is a spicy red lentil stew cooked with berbere, onions, and tomatoes, a vegan Ethiopian classic.
What does Misir Wot taste like?
It tastes spicy, smoky, and creamy with berbere’s heat balanced by sweet onions and earthy lentils.
What does wot mean in Ethiopian food?
Wot (wat) means a thick, spiced stew, key to Ethiopian meals with meat, lentils, or vegetables.
Is Misir Wot a national dish of Ethiopia?
While Doro Wat is iconic, Misir Wot represents everyday vegan cuisine on platters nationwide.
What is Alicha Misir Wot?
A mild turmeric-based lentil stew without berbere for gentler flavors.
What spices are in Misir Wot?
Primarily berbere, plus garlic, ginger, chili powder, and optional cardamom.
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