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White bowl with Ethiopian red lentil stew.

Mesir Wat

Mesir wat is a hearty and comforting Ethiopian red lentil stew. It is flavored with homemade Berbere spice blend. Serve with Injera for a delicious meal.
Author: Pavani
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: ethiopian
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Oil
  • 1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
  • 1" Ginger piece, finely grated
  • 2 Garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 Green Chilies, slit
  • 2 cups Water or Vegetable Stock
  • ½ cup Tomato puree
  • 1 ~ 2 tablespoon Berbere Spice blend
  • ½ cup Red lentils/ Masoor dal, rinsed and drained
  • To taste Salt
  • 2 tablespoon Lemon juice

Instructions

To Cook in Instant Pot:

  • Heat Instant Pot on 'Sauté' mode. Add oil, onions, ginger, garlic and green chilies, cook till onions are translucent, about 3~4 minutes.
    Add 2 cups of water*, tomato puree, Berbere spice, lentils and salt. Mix well. Turn off the Sauté mode and turn the IP on manual/ pressure cook mode.
  • Cook for 6 minutes with the venting knob in sealing position. Once the timer goes off, natural pressure release for 10 minutes and quick release the remainder.
    Open the lid and mix well to combine. If the mixture looks too thick, add ¼~½ cup of water and simmer till heated through. Stir in lemon juice and mix well. Serve hot!!

To Cook on Stove Top:

  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add onions, ginger, garlic and green chilies, cook till onions are translucent, about 3~4 minutes.
  • Add water, tomato puree, Berbere spice, lentils and salt, bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer covered until lentils are cooked through, tender and creamy, this will take about 15~20 minutes.
    Season with salt and lemon juice. Mix well and serve hot over injera or as is.

Video

Notes

  • Use low-sodium vegetable stock instead of water for added flavor.
  • Depending on the spiciness of the berbere spice blend used, you can use more green chilies to make the stew spicy.
  • Stir in lemon juice just before serving for a delicious finish.
  • Leftovers taste great the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 448mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2mg
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