Ethiopian Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• •2 cups red lentils
• •1 onion, finely diced
• •3 cloves garlic, minced
• •1 tbsp grated ginger
• •2 tbsp vegetable oil (or niter kibbeh/butter for a traditional finish)
• •2 tbsp berbere spice blend
• •1 tbsp tomato paste
• •1 can diced tomatoes
• •4 cups vegetable broth
• •Salt to taste

Steps

1. 1.Cook the onion in a dry pot (no oil yet) over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until deeply softened and starting to turn golden - this long, patient cook is what real misir wot's flavor base is built on.
2. 2.Add the oil, garlic, and ginger, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.Stir in the berbere and tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until deeply fragrant.
4. 4.Add the diced tomatoes, lentils, and vegetable broth.
5. 5.Simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender and thickened, then season with salt.