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    Home » Instant Pot Recipes

    Instant Pot Misir Wot - Ethiopian Spicy Lentil Stew

    Published: Feb 18, 2020 · Modified: May 8, 2021 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 39 Comments

    2684 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Misir Wot is a healthy, protein-packed Ethiopian stew made with lentils, and a flavorful spice mix called Berbere. This EASY Instant Pot recipe is quick to make and served with rice makes a complete meal.

    misir wot in a white bowl with white rice on the side
    Jump to:
    • Berbere Spice
    • Steps
    • Serving
    • Stove Top
    • Recipe
    • Recipe

    I love Ethiopian cuisine and always wanted to try my hand on some of my favorite recipes. The 2 main ingredients for this delicious dish are red lentils, also known as masoor daal in India, and the Berbere spice mix. Berbere is an Ethiopian spice blend commonly used to season lentils, chicken, and fish.

    Berbere Spice

    Finding fresh, good-quality Berbere can be a challenge, so I decided to try my own homemade version. I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Adding my homemade spice mix to the dishes not only elevated the flavors of the dishes but it reminded me of the taste from authentic Ethiopian restaurants.

    berbere spice blend in a spoon with whole spices on the side

    The spices I used - cayenne pepper, paprika, fenugreek seeds, dried ginger, coriander, cloves, etc - were already stocked in my pantry. With the bold and fresh flavors, I was thrilled to have the spice blend handy, so that I can cook spicy Ethiopian food at home in no time. Here is a more detailed recipe for homemade Berbere Spice Blend.

    Note: You can buy Berbere spice blend at either whole foods or online spice stores likes Penzy's.

    Misir Wot garnished with red onions and cilantro

    A disclaimer here before I share the recipe, this is my quick and EASY version of the Ethiopian Misir Wot or Wat. I use oil or ghee to make this recipe instead of the traditional Niter Kibbeh which is the Ethiopian spiced clarified butter. If you have Niter Kibbeh on hand, feel free to use it instead of oil or ghee in this recipe.

    Steps

    Here is how to make Spicy Ethiopian Misir Wot using Instant Pot Pressure Cooker:

    Step 1: Turn Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat add oil or ghee. Add onions and saute for 2 minutes. Add ginger and garlic. Mix well and cook for 30 seconds. Add red lentils, berbere spice blend, and salt. Add 2 cups of water and mix everything together.

    steps one and two of making misir wot

    Step 2: Close the Instant Pot lid with pressure valve to sealing. Cook on Manual(Hi) for 15 mins followed by natural pressure release. Open Instant Pot and give a quick stir. Add more water to bring the stew to desired consistency. Mix well. Garnish with chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice.

    steps three through six of making misir wot

    Serving

    Serve hot with steamed rice or paratha.

    Stove Top

    Don't have an Instant Pot? It's easy to make Misir Wot on stove top too:

    1. Heat oil or ghee in a heavy bottom pot or stovetop pressure cooker. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add ginger and garlic. Mix well and cook for 30 seconds.
    2. Add red lentils, berbere spice blend, and salt. Add 3 cups of water and mix everything together.
    3. Cook covered for 15 to 20 minutes. If using a pot stir occasionally and add more water if needed. Adjust salt and add more berbere spice as per your taste.
    4. Garnish with chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice.

    Do you enjoy cooking authentic recipes from various cuisines? Here are some of my favorite homemade spice mixes that make a world of difference in taste:

    • EASY 5-ingredient garam masala
    • Chana masala powder
    • Bisi bele bhath powder

    Here is my 11-year old helping me cook, as I worked on the video:

    Love to add lentils as a source of plant-based proteins in your meals? Check out my guide to lentils and beans and some of my favorite recipes using them:

    • Easy Spinach Daal - Dump and go recipe with red lentils & spinach
    • Punjabi Daal Makhani - Creamy whole urad and kidney beans
    • Maharashtrian Matkichi Usal - Sprouted moth beans curry
    • Chawli Usal - Curried black-eyed peas
    • Shepu Bhaji - Garlic Dill lentils

    Recipe

    Recipe

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    Misir Wot - Ethiopian lentil stew served with rice
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    4.54 from 32 votes

    Ethiopian Spicy Lentil Stew - Instant Pot

    Misir Wot, Ethiopian spicy lentil stew, is a healthy, protein packed dish made with few simple ingredients and aromatic berbere spice mix!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time35 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Ethiopian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 244kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup split red lentils
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
    • 1 medium red onion diced
    • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 to 3 tablespoons berbere spice blend
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 to 3 cups water divided
    • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped (optional)
    • ½ lime

    Instructions

    • Turn Instant Pot to Saute mode. After the 'hot' sign displays, add oil and onions. Mix well. Cook covered with a glass lid for 2 minutes.
    • Add ginger and garlic. Mix well and cook for 30 seconds.
    • Add red lentils, berbere spice blend, and salt. Add 2 cups of water and mix everything together.
    • Close Instant Pot lid with pressure valve to sealing. Cook on Manual(Hi) for 15 mins followed by natural pressure release.
    • Open Instant Pot, Stir everything. Add more water to bring the stew to desired consistency. Mix well.
    • Garnish with chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice on top before serving with steamed rice or bread.

    Video

    Notes

    Misir Wot stovetop recipe:

    1. Heat oil or ghee in a heavy bottom pot or stovetop pressure cooker. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add ginger and garlic. Mix well and cook for 30 seconds.
    2. Add red lentils, berbere spice blend, and salt. Add 3 cups of water and mix everything together.
    3. Cook covered on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes. If using a pot stir occasionally and add more water if needed. Adjust salt and add more Berbere spice as per your taste.
    4. Garnish with chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 707mg | Potassium: 481mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 8.4mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 4.6mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    ♥ We LOVE to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? Please share your food photo with hashtag #ministryofcurry on Facebook or Instagram, so we can see it and our followers can enjoy it too! Thank you and Happy Cooking ♥ Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for tasty and easy video recipes. Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our delicious Instant Pot Recipe board on Pinterest.

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. NIna says

      July 26, 2020 at 3:13 pm

      This is very deliciious and easy to make. Thank you for this wonderful recipe!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Simone says

      March 09, 2021 at 1:43 pm

      So good! Ate it on some yummy pumpernickel toast, perfect! Easy to make too! I used a mix of veggie broth and water instead of just water, made it more flavorful. Added some jalapeños for a little extra spice!5 stars

      Reply
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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

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