Ethiopian Spiced Lentil Stew (Misir Wot) with Quinoa

Ingredients

• 1 cup Red Lentils
• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups Water
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Berbere Spice Blend
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder

Instructions

1. 1Measure the 1 cup of red lentils and place them in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse the 1 cup of red lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. Measure the 1 cup of quinoa and place it in a separate fine-mesh sieve. Rinse the 1 cup of quinoa under cold running water until the water runs clear.
2. 2Combine the 1 cup of quinoa and the 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
3. 3While the quinoa cooks, prepare the lentil stew. Finely chop the 1 medium onion. Mince the 3 cloves of garlic.
4. 4Place a large heavy-bottomed pot on the stove over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped 1 medium onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5. 5Add the minced 3 cloves of garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. 6Stir in the 2 tablespoons of berbere spice blend, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 0.5 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and the tomato paste has darkened slightly.
7. 7Add the rinsed 1 cup of red lentils and 2 cups of water to the pot. Stir everything together. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are very soft and the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. 8Fluff the cooked 1 cup of quinoa with a fork. Spoon the hot Ethiopian Spiced Lentil Stew over the fluffy quinoa.

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