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Misir Wot (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentil Stew)

Name: Misir Wot (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentil Stew)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Ethiopia
Ingredients: 300 g split red lentils (misir), thoroughly rinsed; 500 g red onions, very finely minced; 4 tbsp neutral cooking oil or niter kibbeh; 3 tbsp berbere spice blend; 5 clove garlic, minced; 1.5 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 750 ml warm water; 0.5 tsp ground korarima (Ethiopian cardamom); 1 tsp fine sea salt

Velvety red split lentils braised with caramelized onions, aromatic berbere, and fragrant ginger-garlic paste.

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veganvegetarianlentilsspicygluten-free

The story

Misir Wot is an essential staple of Ethiopian Orthodox fasting seasons (Tsom), during which meat, dairy, and animal fats are strictly abstained from for over two hundred days a year. When cooked for fasting (Ye'Tsom Misir Wot), neutral vegetable oil is used in place of spiced butter without sacrificing any depth of flavor. It holds an iconic central position on any traditional vegetarian Beyaynetu combination platter.

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