Messer Wot (Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew)

Ingredients

• 2½ tablespoons hot paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium red onions, quartered
• 2 large yellow onions, quartered
• 6 garlic cloves
• A 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 cup neutral oil, such as grapeseed or vegetable
• Generous ½ cup tomato paste
• 5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix (above)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained