Description
Misir wat, a hearty Ethiopian split pea stew, brings robust flavors from traditional spices and legumes. Simmered with onions, garlic, and berbere, this comforting dish connects diners to Ethiopia’s rich culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup yellow split peas (rinsed and drained)
- 4 cups (950 ml) water (or vegetable broth for added flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced butter)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Legume Preparation: Immerse split peas in water, simmering gently until soft and creamy, skimming away any foam that surfaces during cooking to ensure a smooth texture.
- Flavor Foundation: Sauté onions in a deep skillet until golden, introducing minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously to release their aromatic essence and create a robust base.
- Spice Awakening: Sprinkle turmeric, cumin, and black pepper into the caramelized aromatics, toasting briefly to unleash their intense flavors and create a complex flavor profile.
- Stew Fusion: Combine the tender split peas with the spiced vegetable mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld together over low heat, developing a rich and harmonious consistency.
- Final Touch: Adjust seasoning with salt, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve alongside traditional Ethiopian injera or rice, creating a complete and satisfying culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize Pea Softening: Soak split peas overnight to reduce cooking time and ensure even, creamy texture without losing shape or becoming mushy.
- Balance Spice Intensity: Toast spices briefly to prevent burning, releasing complex flavors without creating bitter undertones that can overpower the delicate pea base.
- Control Liquid Consistency: Monitor water levels during cooking, adding small amounts if needed to maintain a thick, stew-like consistency without making the dish too dry or watery.
- Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Replace traditional bread with quinoa or brown rice for gluten-free options, or add extra vegetables like carrots and spinach to boost nutritional value and create more diverse flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Ethiopian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg