Ethiopian-Inspired Lentil Sambusas

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-30 · Updated 2026-04-30

Crispy baked pastries filled with a spiced red lentil and onion mixture, perfect as a snack or appetizer. This ethiopian-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes turns red lentils, water, yellow onion into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 12, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup, rinsed red lentils
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp berbere spice blend
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 sheets spring roll wrappers
• for brushing vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed red lentils and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until lentils are tender and most water is absorbed.
2. Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp salt to the onions. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir the cooked lentils into the spiced onion mixture, cook for 3 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out one spring roll wrapper, place about 2 tbsp of lentil filling near one corner, then fold and roll into a triangle shape, sealing edges with a little water.
6. Step 6: Place sambusas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops lightly with vegetable oil. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Serve warm as a flavorful snack or appetizer.