Amhari Mesir Wat

Description
This recipe is common to the Ethiopian Jews (Phalashi). My understanding is that these are NOT unique to them.

Ingredients

 * ½ kg red lentils
 * 2 large onions
 * ½ cup oil
 * 3 tbsp tomato paste
 * ½ tsp paprika; sweet or hot
 * 1 garlic
 * ½ tsp ground ginger
 * ¼ tsp black pepper
 * 1 tsp salt
 * 3 cups water

Directions

 * 1) Sort the lentils and soak in tap water for 30 minutes.
 * 2) Rinse in running water and drain.
 * 3) Peel and finely chop the onions. peel and mash the garlic.
 * 4) Heat the oil in large pan and saute the onion until golden.
 * 5) Add tomato paste and paprika and mix.
 * 6) Add half the water and the garlic,ginger pepper and salt.
 * 7) Stir well and then add the rest of the water, stir again, cover and bring to boil.
 * 8) When the water boil, add the Lentils, lower the flame and cook 20–30 minutes, until the Lentils soften.
 * 9) Serve hot.