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Ethiopia · Food

Yel Misir Alicha

60 min
370 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · September 8, 2026

Yel Misir Alicha🇪🇹AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

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Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Yel Misir Alicha. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countriesSee all 20 matches

A mild, golden-hued Ethiopian split lentil stew. Unlike spicy variants, this dish is fragrant with turmeric and ginger, offering a soothing, earthy profile.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Yel Misir Alicha from another cuisine is Chicken Ginataang Manok (Philippines): the two share 67% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Rinse 250g of yellow split lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then set them aside.

  • 2

    In a pot over medium heat, dry-sauté 2 diced onions for 10 minutes until they soften, then add 50g of niter kibbeh.

  • 3

    Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger to the pot, cooking for 3 minutes until very fragrant.

  • 4

    Stir in the rinsed lentils, coating them well with the spiced onion mixture to allow the flavors to penetrate.

  • 5

    Pour in 750ml of water or vegetable stock, bringing the pot to a gentle boil.

  • 6

    Reduce heat to low and cover, simmering for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are completely soft and have absorbed most of the liquid.

  • 7

    Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and mash lightly with a spoon to achieve a smooth, porridge-like consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yel Misir Alicha?

Yel Misir Alicha is a mild Ethiopian lentil dish prepared with yellow split lentils, turmeric, garlic, and ginger. It is categorized as 'alicha', meaning it is prepared without hot berbere spices, making it a soothing and light option.

How does it differ from Misir Wat?

Misir Wat is spicy and red due to the use of berbere, whereas Yel Misir Alicha is yellow, mild, and relies on the fragrance of ginger and turmeric.

Can I use red lentils instead?

Red lentils will cook much faster and turn to a very soft puree; yellow split lentils hold their shape slightly better, which is preferred for texture.

What should I serve it with?

Serve it alongside other dishes on injera, or as part of a fasting platter with vegetable stews like Tikil Gomen.

Is it spicy?

No, it is purposefully mild and aromatic rather than heat-driven, suitable for children or those who prefer non-spicy flavors.

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