How to make Misir Wot (Ethiopian Red lentils stew) | Ultimate Guide

 Misir wot (Ethiopian Red lentils stew)

Misir Wot (also known as Misir Wat) is an example of vegetarian cuisine that genuinely shines. Misir Wot is a traditional meal in Ethiopia and one of the most popular vegetarian dishes in Ethiopian restaurants, made with red lentils, a plentiful crop. If you choose a mixed platter or a vegetarian meal at an Ethiopian restaurant, misir wot is nearly always on the plate.

Red Lentils

Ingredients needed to prepare Misir Wot:

• Two good sized chopped onions
• 4 spoons of oil
• Two spoons of Berbere (Ethiopian spicy ingredient)
• One spoon of gridded garlic
• 1/2 spoon of Qondo Berbere (Sweet pepper)
• 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup of Misir (red lentil)
• Another 1/4 spoon of Qondo Berbere (Sweet pepper)
• Another 1/4 spoon of garlic powder
• Salt (the quantity depends on your preference)

 

Steps:

Step 1: Prepare two good-sized chopped onions.

Step 2: Wash and prepare a pot and put it on the stove at a medium heat range.

Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook it until it gets a brownish color.

Step 4: It is about time you added 4 spoons of oil to the onion. Let the onion suck some of the oil.

Step 5: Add two spoons of Berbere (Ethiopian spicy ingredient). While the ingredients mix up, start boiling water aside. You will use the water to slowly cook the mixture when you feel like the wot is dry and make it look good.

Step 6: Add one spoon of gridded garlic and mix. Wait for 2 min.

Step 7: Use the boiled water that you have to continue mixing and getting the best wot that you desire.

Step 8: Add 1/2 spoon of Qondo Berbere (Sweet pepper) and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce. This will increase the amount of wot and makes it delicious. Then slowly steer and mix all the ingredients.

Step 9: Continue adding a small amount of hot water and mixing.

Step 10: When the ingredients are mixed well, lower the stove heat range and leave it for 15 minutes.

Lentils

Step 11: Bring a bowl and add 1/2 cup of Misir (red lentil) and wash it well.

Step 12: If you go ahead and add the Misir (red lentil) straight after the 15 minutes then your wot will be very thick. Therefore you need to add a good amount of hot water and leave it for a little bit.

Step 13: Now add 1/4 spoon of Qondo Berbere (Sweet pepper), 1/4 spoon of garlic powder, and Misir (red lentil).

Step 14: Steer all the supplements very well.  And wait till it makes wot bubbles.

Step 15: Add salt (the amount depends on your preference) and mix again.

Step 16: Good Job! You did it. Your Misir wot (Ethiopian Red lentils stew) is ready. You can switch off your stove and start serving.

How to eat Misir wot (Red lentils stew)

It is pretty much easy. You can eat it the way that suits you. There are no limitations. But if you want to eat it Ethiopian style then here is what you have to do.

1. Prepare a flat dish and lay down the Injera (Ethiopian bread) on the plate. Next, use your spoon and add the Misir wot (Red lentils stew) on top of the Injera. When you eat you should use your hand. The same way as shown in this video:

2. You can simply eat it with a piece of bread. And of course, using your hands.

Health Benefits of Lentils

Lentils 

One-half cup of cooked lentils has:

• Carbs: 23 grams
• Calories: 140
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Fiber: 9 grams
• Sodium: 5 milligrams
• Protein: 12 grams

Benefits

1. Support the digestive system
2. Reduces risk of certain chronic diseases
3. Helps to manage blood sugar levels
4. Heart-healthy
5. A source of plant protein

Lentils are a healthy addition to a balanced diet for the majority of individuals. It's worth mentioning, though, that lentils, like other legumes, contain natural chemicals known as 'anti-nutrients.' These include phytic acid, which binds to elements such as iron and zinc, making it more difficult for humans to absorb the minerals. In fact, lentils have a lower phytic acid level than corn, wheat, and soya beans. Furthermore, by soaking and boiling, these anti-nutrients can be minimized.

Lentil allergies have been documented in several regions of Europe, most notably in Spain, where they are thought to be more widespread than peanut allergies. This is supposed to have something to do with the fact that lentils are a popular weaning meal in Spain.

 

Fun Facts About Lentils

• Lentils (Lens ensculenta) are legumes that grow in pods with one or two lentil seeds within. They're said to have come from Central Asia.
• Humans have consumed lentils since the Neolithic period, and they were one of the first cultivated crops.
• Lentil seeds have been discovered in the Middle East dating back over 8000 years.
• Lentils are considered a mourning meal in Judaism because of their round form, which represents the circle of life.
• Lentil soup was dubbed the "sweetest of pleasures" by Aristophanes, a Greek playwright.
• Lentils have been found in Egyptian tombs dating as far back as 2400 BC.
• The lentil is known as dal or daal in India.
• Lentils have been referred to as "poor man's meat" for millennia. Those who couldn't afford fish in Catholic nations ate lentils instead during Lent.
• Lentils were fashionable among royalty in the 18th century thanks to King Louis XV's wife, Marie Leszczynska, who gave them the nickname "the queen's lentils."
• Lentils come in a variety of colors and sizes, including brown, yellow, black, orange, red, and green.
• Green and brown lentils are the most often used lentils in the United States because they keep their form best after cooking.
• Lentils, unlike most other beans, do not require soaking before cooking.
• Neil, a character in the British sitcom "The Young Ones" from the 1980s, is a stereotypical hippy who is always eating lentils.