‘Misir Wot’ or Spiced Split Lentils

Misir Wot or Spiced Split lentils are stewed with onion, garlic, and a blend of hot Ethiopian herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups dry split red lentils
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 heaping tbsp Berbere spice
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves fresh garlic
• 2.5 cups water
• 1/2 can tomato paste (cans here in Canada are 156ml or 5.27 oz)
• Salt as needed

Steps:

1.  Finely chop onion and garlic and sautee in a medium-sized pot with a few generous tablespoons of olive oil for about 4-5 minutes until onions are soft.
2. Add in tomato paste and Berbere spice and stir until mixed thoroughly
3. If the mixture is too thick, add about 1/4 cup of water. Cook mixture another 2-3 minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Place red lentils in a bowl and rinse thoroughly.
5. Once rinsed, add 2.5 cups of freshwater to the bowl and add this to the onion and Berbere mixture.
6. At medium heat, stirring occasionally, simmer until lentils are fully cooked – about 15 or 20 minutes. If the mixture becomes dry before lentils are cooked, add small amounts of water to the mixture until they are.
7. Once you know that they are fully cooked, stir in about 1/2 of warm water.
8. Salt to taste and serve hot with Injera on the side.