Djiboutian Lentil Soup (Misir Wat)
A hearty and flavorful lentil soup, often referred to as Misir Wat in Djibouti, drawing inspiration from Ethiopian and Eritrean influences. This comforting dish is rich in spices, tender lentils, and aromatic vegetables, making it a staple, especially during cooler weather or fasting periods.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Red lentils(rinsed thoroughly)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 1 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1-2 Green chilies(sliced, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Berbere spice blend(optional, for authentic Ethiopian flavor)
- 6 cups Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Using a good quality oil will enhance the flavor. - 2
Add the minced garlic and sliced green chilies to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced carrots and chopped tomatoes. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly.
- 4
Add the rinsed red lentils, ground cumin, turmeric, and optional Berbere spice blend. Stir well to coat the lentils and vegetables with the spices.
- 5
Pour in the water and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot. - 6
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
- 7
Serve the Djiboutian Lentil Soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. It is traditionally served with injera or other flatbreads.
💡 Tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully purée it.
- ✓If Berbere spice is unavailable, you can omit it or create a similar flavor profile with paprika, chili powder, and other warm spices.
- ✓This soup is excellent for meal prep as it stores well in the refrigerator for several days.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like celery or bell peppers along with the carrots.
- For a richer soup, use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.