Ye'misir Firfir
Spicy Lentil and Injera Salad
A quick and flavorful Ethiopian dish made by tearing leftover spicy lentil stew (misir wot) and injera bread into bite-sized pieces, then gently warming them together with spiced clarified butter. It's a fantastic way to repurpose yesterday's meal into a satisfying breakfast or light lunch.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400g Leftover misir wot (spicy red lentil stew)(Ensure the misir wot is well-seasoned and has a thick consistency. If it's too dry, you might need to add a splash of water or vegetable broth when reheating.)
- 4 pieces Day-old injera(Slightly stale injera is ideal as it holds its shape better when torn and tossed. Fresh injera can become too mushy.)
- 2 tbsp Niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter)(Niter kibbeh is essential for authentic flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with regular clarified butter or ghee, but the aroma and taste will be different. You can also add a pinch of cardamom, fenugreek, and turmeric to regular ghee to mimic the flavor.)
- 2-3 tbsp Water or vegetable broth (optional)(Only needed if the misir wot is too dry.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the injera: Gently tear the injera pieces into bite-sized, irregular strips or pieces, about 1-2 inches in size. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Reheat the misir wot: Place the leftover misir wot in a medium-sized skillet or pot over medium heat. If the stew seems very dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up. Stir occasionally until it is heated through and simmering gently. You should see small bubbles forming around the edges.
⏱️ 3-4 minutes - 3
Combine and toss: Add the torn injera pieces to the skillet with the hot misir wot. Using two spoons or spatulas, gently toss the injera and lentil stew together. Ensure all the injera pieces are coated with the sauce. Continue to toss for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the injera to absorb some of the flavors and soften slightly, but not become completely mushy.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 4
Add niter kibbeh: Drizzle the niter kibbeh over the firfir. Gently toss again to distribute the spiced butter evenly throughout the mixture. Cook for another minute until the butter is melted and fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Serve immediately: Transfer the Ye'misir Firfir to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve hot as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or a fried egg.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This dish is a brilliant way to minimize food waste by giving new life to leftover misir wot and injera.
- ✓For a quicker breakfast, ensure your misir wot is already chilled and ready to be reheated.
- ✓The texture should be a delightful mix of soft, saucy lentils and slightly tender injera pieces.
- ✓Adjust the amount of niter kibbeh to your preference – more butter means richer flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a fried or poached egg on top for extra protein and richness.
- Sauté some finely chopped fresh red onions and garlic in a little oil before adding the misir wot for an added layer of flavor and texture.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of berbere spice while tossing.