Mesir Wat (Ethiopian Red Lentils)
Recipe contributed by Liora Samuel. Like kik alicha (split pea sauce), mesir wat is a quintessential vegetarian Ethiopian stew that is served on the traditional flatbread, injera. Feel free to kick up the heat if you like it spicier.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced,
- 1 head of garlic, minced
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and picked over for stones
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt, white pepper and black pepper to taste
- 1-1½ cups water
Preparation
Heat oil in a medium pot. When hot, add onion and garlic and sauté until golden brown. Add lentils, spices and water to the pot. Cover and cook 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, but not completely disintegrated. Serve with—or on—injera.
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