Lalibela-Style Misir Wat

This healthier take uses whole-food, organic ingredients, avoiding seed oils and refined sugars for a purer taste.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup organic whole grain barley
  • 2 cups organic red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped finely
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 dried fenugreek leaf (kasamatta)
  • 1/2 teaspoon berbere spice mix (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 small piece of ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 3 cups vegetable broth or water
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)

Clean swaps

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honey/maple syrup
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What you'll need

Instructions

  1. Rinse the barley and lentils thoroughly. In a medium pot, combine the red lentils with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until soft, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the fenugreek leaf, berbere spice mix, grated ginger, ground coriander, and ground cumin to the skillet. Sauté for an additional minute or until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the cooked lentils with their cooking liquid into the skillet. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth, chopped dill, honey (or maple syrup), and salt. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Check if the barley is cooked; it should be tender but not mushy. Drain excess water and add half of the cooked barley to the skillet.
  6. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and adding more liquid if necessary. Taste-test adjusting honey or maple syrup according to preference.
  8. Serve the misir wat hot garnished with extra dill and a drizzle of avocado oil.

FAQ

Is this Lalibela-Style Misir Wat gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe uses barley and red lentils which are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use a different spice blend instead of berbere?

Of course! You can substitute with another Ethiopian spice blend or create your own to taste.

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