Misir Wot (Ethiopian Lentil Stew)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 2 qts. lightly salted water
• 1/4 cup minced shallots
• 2 Tbs. berbere spice (see additional ingredients)
• 1/4 cup light olive oil
• 1/2 tsp onion salt
• Additional water as needed

Berbere spice:

• 1 1/2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
• 2 Tbsp paprika
• 1 Tbsp onion salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp each, ground: cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, cumin, fenugreek, and tumeric

How to Prepare:
1) Cook lentils in boiling water for 35 to 40 minutes, until soft and tender

 

2) Meanwhile, cook shallots in a dry pan until soft and light brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning

 

3) Add garlic and continue stirring. Add 1/4 cup water, berbere spice and olive oil.

4) Drain and mash lentils and add to shallot mixture, then stir in onion salt. Simmer 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. You may need to add more water to keep a consistency similar to oatmeal. Serve hot or at room temperature.