Misir Wot (Ethiopian Red Lentils)

Name: Misir Wot (Ethiopian Red Lentils)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 1 tbsp cinnamon sticks; 1 tbsp cumin seeds; 1 tbsp cloves; 1 tbsp black peppercorns; 2 whole nutmeg kernels ((coarsely crushed)); 1 tbsp green cardamom pods ((seeds removed, discard skins)); 2 black cardamom pods ((seeds removed, discard skins)); 1 tbsp berbere spice blend; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 large onion ((finely chopped)); 1 inch knob ginger ((grated)); 4 cloves garlic ((crushed with a garlic press or minced)); 1 tsp nigella seeds ((kalonji. Coarsely crushed in a mortar and pestle)); 1½ cups red lentils; 1 tbsp paprika ((optional, only for color)); Salt to taste; 2 tbsp cilantro ((for garnish))