**Amhari Mesir Wat: A Culinary Journey Through Ethiopian History and Tradition**
In the heart of Ethiopian cuisine lies a dish that embodies the country's rich history and culinary heritage: Amhari Mesir Wat. This traditional stew, deeply rooted in the Amhara region, is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that captivates the senses and transports diners to the heart of Ethiopian culinary traditions.
Amhari Mesir Wat, also known as "red lentil stew," is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the perfect balance between spices, lentils, and vegetables. The foundation of this stew is the humble red lentil, which cooks down into a creamy and comforting base. Combined with the aromatic blend of spices, including berbere, cumin, cardamom, and cloves, the lentils take on a complex and captivating flavor profile.
This stew is not just about lentils; it's also a celebration of vegetables. From diced carrots and potatoes to green beans and tomatoes, each ingredient contributes its unique texture and flavor to the dish. The addition of onions and garlic adds a base of savory sweetness, while the tomatoes bring a touch of acidity that brightens up the stew.
But what truly sets Amhari Mesir Wat apart is its versatility. This dish can be tailored to suit different preferences and dietary restrictions. For a vegan version, simply omit the butter and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a spicier stew, add a little extra berbere or cayenne pepper. And for those who prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices or omit them altogether.
This article presents a comprehensive guide to preparing Amhari Mesir Wat, featuring three distinct recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and spice levels. The first recipe, "Traditional Amhari Mesir Wat," offers a classic interpretation of this beloved dish, using a blend of aromatic spices and a combination of vegetables. The second recipe, "Vegan Amhari Mesir Wat," provides a plant-based alternative, showcasing the versatility of this stew without compromising on flavor. Finally, the "Mild Amhari Mesir Wat" recipe caters to those who prefer a milder heat level, allowing them to enjoy the rich flavors of this dish without the intense spiciness.
Whether you're a seasoned Ethiopian food enthusiast or a curious culinary explorer, Amhari Mesir Wat is a dish that deserves a place in your culinary repertoire. With its vibrant flavors, hearty texture, and cultural significance, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Ethiopia with Amhari Mesir Wat.
MISIR WOT (SPICY RED LENTILS)
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h20m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place the lentils in a large bowl and fill with cold water. Massage the lentils with your hands to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse the lentils a few times until the water runs clear. This may require several rinses. Soak the lentils in lukewarm water for approximately 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the onions and tomatoes to a large pot and cook over medium heat until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the olive oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure the onions do not get too dark. Add the berbere and continue to cook until the berbere is fully combined with the onion and tomato mixture, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 cup water and cook the tomato, onion and berbere mixture until it reduces and begins to stick to the pan, about 10 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pot to bring up the stuck tomatoes and onions. Add another 1 cup water and allow the mixture to reduce again for another 10 minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pot. Add 1 cup water more, reduce again for 10 minutes then scrape the bottom of the pot (Adding and reducing 3 times will give your lentils a rich and layered flavor.) Be sure not to step away from the pot during this process. As Azla says, "Misir wot has jealous tendencies and wants your full, undivided attention from start to finish."
- Strain the soaked lentils in a colander and allow them to drain for a few minutes. Meanwhile, add 8 cups water to the pot and bring to a rolling boil. Add the lentils, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and the lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Finish with the ground nutmeg and sea salt to taste. Serve with injera or your favorite whole grain.
MESIR WAT (ETHIOPIAN RED LENTILS)
This is from whats4eats.com. I haven't tried it yet. You can also use butter or niter kibbeh (spiced butter) instead of the olive oil. Serve with injera. You tear off a small piece of it and use that to scoop up the mesir wat. If you can't get ahold of injera and just want a healthy lentil dish, you could always put it over rice.
Provided by Debbie R.
Categories Low Cholesterol
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Puree onion, garlic, and ginger in a food processor or blender.
- Heat oil, butter or niter kibbeh in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add turmeric, paprika and cayenne pepper and stir rapidly to color oil and cook spices through, about 30 seconds. Add onion puree and sauté on medium heat until excess moisture evaporates and onion loses its raw aroma, about 5-10 minutes. Do not burn.
- Add lentils and water. Bring to a boil and simmer till lentils are cooked through and fall apart, about 30-40 minutes. Add water if necessary to keep from drying out. This should be the consistency of a thick paste so that it can be scooped up with injera.
- Stir in salt and pepper to taste and serve.
AMHARI MESIR WAT
This recipe is common to the Ethiopian Jews (Phalashi). My understanding is that these are NOT unique to them alone. prep time includes lentil soaking
Provided by PinkCherryBlossom
Categories Stew
Time 1h10m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Sort the lentils picking out ant grit or stones and soak in tap water for 30 minutes.
- Rinse in running water and drain.
- Peel and finely chop the onions. peel and mash the garlic.
- Heat the oil in large pan and saute the onion until golden. Add tomato paste and paprika and mix. Add half the water and the garlic,ginger pepper and salt.
- Stir well and then add the rest of the water, stir again, cover and bring to boil.
- When the water boil, add the lentils, lower the flame and cook 20-30 minutes, until the lentils soften.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 194.6, Fat 14, SaturatedFat 2.1, Sodium 343.4, Carbohydrate 14.7, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 2.4, Protein 4.1
ETHIOPIAN CHICKPEA WAT
Make and share this Ethiopian Chickpea Wat recipe from Food.com.
Provided by breezee1984
Categories Ethiopian
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, cover and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and potato, cover and cook 10 minutes longer.
- Remove and cover and stir in cayenne, paprika, ginger, salt, pepper, cumin, cardamom and tomato paste. Add chickpeas and water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender and the flavor is developed, about 30 minutes, adding a bit more water if needed. About 10 minutes before the stew is ready, stir in green peas and taste to adjust seasonings.
MESIR WAT
Make and share this Mesir Wat recipe from Food.com.
Provided by bwon23
Categories Ethiopian
Time 40m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Over medium high heat saute the onions stirring frequently (5min).
- Add the tomato paste and keep stirring (5min).
- Next add the berbere and cook for 5 minutes adding a little bit of water when the bottom of the pot starts catching. Keep stirring.
- Add the rinsed lentils and cook together for an additional 5 minutes (continue to stir adding a bit of water so that the mixture doesn't burn).
- Add about 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Occasionally stir.
- Once the water reduces and lentils have thickened add the ground coriander, garlic and salt. Reduce heat and leave for about 5 minutes.
- Serve with injera.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.7, Fat 19.2, SaturatedFat 2.5, Sodium 602.1, Carbohydrate 30.4, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 0.9, Protein 12.2
ETHIOPIAN LENTIL MESIR WAT
Healthy, High Protein 1 dish meal. Also you can eat as wrap. You can eat it hot or cold, with veggies or meat.
Provided by lalibala
Categories Stew
Time 1h20m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Wash lentils few times with water.
- Leave in water (tap water) in bowl.
- In a pot add oil and onion. Sauté until it starts to brown.
- Add berbere and let simmer for about 20 minutes stirring frequently and add 1/4 cup of water as needed.
- Drain lentils and add to the pot.
- Stir frequently until tender for about 20 minute.
- Add 2 cups of water.
- Bring to boil and simmer covered in medium-low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally untill tender.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 169.5, Fat 6.8, SaturatedFat 0.6, Sodium 293.7, Carbohydrate 20.2, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 0.5, Protein 8.2
Tips:
- When making the berbere spice mix, toast the spices in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. This will help to release their flavor.
- If you don't have time to make your own berbere spice mix, you can buy it pre-made at most Ethiopian grocery stores or online.
- Be sure to simmer the wat for at least 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the wat with injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread, or rice.
- Garnish the wat with chopped cilantro or parsley, and serve with a side of yogurt or sour cream.
Conclusion:
Amhari Mesir Wat is a delicious and hearty Ethiopian stew that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. The combination of berbere spice mix, tender meat, and vegetables makes this dish a flavorful and satisfying experience. Whether you serve it with injera or rice, Amhari Mesir Wat is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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