Misir Wat
A humble, fiery red-lentil stew — the vegan staple of Ethiopia's fasting table, rich with berbere and garlic. Ingredients: red lentils, onion, garlic, ginger, berbere, niter kibbeh or oil, tomato paste, salt, injera. Recipe: 1) Cook onion low until sweet. 2) Add garlic, ginger and berbere; fry briefly. 3) Add lentils and water; simmer until creamy, about 25 minutes. 4) Adjust salt and spice. Serve: on injera with other wats. History: central to Ethiopian Orthodox fasting days (over 200 a year), when meat disappears and lentils carry the cuisine.