Authentic Ethiopian Misir Wat Recipe

Ethiopian misir wat recipe is a richly spiced lentil dish usually served with injera, a nutritious teff flatbread. Misir wat is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, known for its robust flavors and hearty texture. Authentic injera requires a 48-hour fermentation process similar to sourdough bread-making. However, for this kit, we created a quick injera mix to satisfy your Ethiopian food cravings faster.

The Delight of Misir Wat Recipe

Misir wat is a traditional Ethiopian dish made from red lentils simmered in a flavorful berbere spice blend. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for any meal. The combination of lentils and spices creates a hearty and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with injera.

Gursha: The Ethiopian Tradition of Sharing

At an Ethiopian meal, it is common to hand-feed friends and family. This custom, known as gursha, fosters a friendly bond and shows love and respect. While we don’t expect you to feed your guests, we do hope that you share this dish with those you love.

How to Make Misir Wat Recipe at Home

To make this misir wat recipe, you will need red lentils, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and a blend of Ethiopian spices including berbere and turmeric. Start by sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until fragrant. Then, add the tomatoes and spices, cooking until the tomatoes are soft. Add the lentils and water, then simmer until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve the misir wat with injera for a complete Ethiopian meal.

Health Benefits of Misir Wat

Misir wat is not only flavorful but also offers numerous health benefits. Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are known to support heart health, improve digestion, and provide sustained energy. Additionally, the spices used in misir wat, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties and can boost the immune system.

Pairing Misir Wat with Beverages

For an authentic Ethiopian dining experience, consider pairing misir wat with traditional Ethiopian beverages such as tej (honey wine) or t’alla (homemade beer). If you prefer non-alcoholic options, spiced tea or coffee are excellent choices that complement the flavors of the dish.

Conclusion

The misir wat recipe is a versatile and comforting dish that embodies the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Ethiopian cuisine or new to it, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try making it at home and enjoy the robust flavors and warming comfort it offers.

When you get a chance to try this misir wat recipe, we would love to hear about your results in the comments below. For more delicious Ethiopian recipes, check out Ethiopian Recipes. If you’re looking for quality Ethiopian ingredients, visit Ethiopian Spices.

Happy cooking!

Ethiopian Spiced Lentils (Misir Wat) & Quick Injera

5 from 1 vote

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Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine African, Ethiopian

Servings people

Equipment

1 Serving tray optional
1 Serving basket optional

Ingredients

Quick Injera Mix:

1 cup Teff flour (190g)
1 cup Barley flour (180g)
2 tablespoon Baking powder (25g)
2 teaspoon Sea salt
2 cans Club soda
2 oz Vinegar (55g)

Proteins (choose 1):

1 cup Red lentils
2 cups Chicken breast (shredded)

Instructions

Cook Berbere Sauce

In a medium sauce pot, combine the red lentils, hot kulet or mild tumeric sauce, and 2 ½ cups of water. If using shredded chicken, combine with sauce and ½ cup of water.
Stir well and bring to a simmer on medium heat, covered.
Continue with recipe while the sauce simmers…

Make the Injera Batter

Empty the quick injera mix into a large mixing bowl and stir until the color is uniform.
Gently pour in 1 carbonated water, ½ cup of water, and vinegar. Whisk for a full 5 minutes (important: this softens the teff and creates a smooth spongy texture). Mix in the 2nd carbonated water.
Stir the simmer sauce, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook lentils for 25 min. or until soft. Note: Chicken may require less time.

Make Quick Injera

Heat a 10-inch nonstick frying pan (with a lid) on medium-low and coat with cooking spray or oil. You’ll also need an old, clean cloth or dish towel.
Make injera the way you would a pancake; pour ⅓ cup of batter into the center of the frying pan and swirl to distribute.
Line your lid with the cloth (be extremely careful that the towel does not catch fire!), cover, and cook pancake for 1.5-2 minutes until the top is dry and the bottom is golden brown.

..And Repeat..And Repeat…

Use a spatula to lift pancake onto a paper towel-lined cooling plate.
Spray the pan and stir batter before you make each pancake and repeat for the remaining batter. We use a smartphone timer!
Tips: you will likely donate the first few pancakes to the injera gods – it’s okay! Since every stovetop is different, experiment with temperatures between medium-low to low and cook batter between 1-2 minutes. If your pan is larger than 10’’, try adding more than ⅓ cup of batter.

Plate Your Creation

Place one injera on each serving plate.
Roll up the remaining injera and serve on a side plate.
Taste the lentils and berbere sauce to make sure they are soft. Remove from heat, stir, and place a spoonful into the center of each injera plate.

Enjoy!

To eat, rip injera into 2 inch pieces and use as a utensil for eating the berbere sauce.
At the end of the meal, you can eat your injera plate!
Enhance your experience with an Ethiopian music playlist (takeoutkit.com/playlists).
Mälkam məgəb “good feasting”!

Keyword African, Ethiopian, Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Looking for more yummy vegan recipes? Check out the full list here.