Fit Misir Wot – Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentil Stew

Name: Fit Misir Wot – Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentil Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, rinsed; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp berbere spice blend; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cups water or vegetable broth; 1 tsp ground cumin; Salt to taste; Fresh lemon juice and parsley (to serve)

A fully vegan, fiber-rich Ethiopian lentil stew simmered with aromatic berbere spice.

Total: 50 min
Servings: 2 servings
Difficulty: Medium
Calories · per serving: 340 kcal

Updated: July 25, 2026

In short

Fit Misir Wot – Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentil Stew contains 340 calories per serving: 18 g protein, 52 g carbohydrate and 6 g fat. It takes 50 minutes in total and makes 2 servings.

About this recipe

Misir Wot is a traditional Ethiopian red lentil stew simmered with the signature berbere spice blend. Completely vegan, it delivers a low-fat, nourishing option rich in plant protein and fiber.

Method

1
Rinse the red lentils until the water runs clear and set aside.
2
Heat the olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until soft and golden.
3
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4
Stir in the berbere and cumin and toast for 30 seconds.
5
Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
6
Add the lentils and water (or vegetable broth) and bring to a boil.
7
Reduce the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils break down into a thick stew.
8
Season with salt, finish with lemon juice and parsley, and serve with rice or injera.