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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Serve hot with steamed rice or naan.
Don’t have an Instant Pot? It’s easy to make Misir Wot on stove top too:
- 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.
- Add red lentils, berbere spice blend, and salt. Add 3 cups of water and mix everything together.
- 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.
- 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:
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
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Ethiopian Spicy Lentil Stew – Instant Pot
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:
- 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.
- Add red lentils, berbere spice blend, and salt. Add 3 cups of water and mix everything together.
- 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.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice.
Nutrition
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NIna says
This is very deliciious and easy to make. Thank you for this wonderful recipe!