Ethiopian-Inspired Lentil Sambusas with Spicy Tomato Sauce

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-18 · Updated 2026-06-18

Crispy fried sambusas filled with spiced lentil mixture, served with a vibrant and spicy tomato dipping sauce. This african-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes blends red lentils, rinsed, water, medium yellow onion, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 red lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 tbsp berbere spice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 12 sheets sambusa wrappers or spring roll wrappers
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine 1 cup rinsed red lentils with 2 cups water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until lentils are soft and most water is absorbed.
2. Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 3 tablespoons vegetable 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 3 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 tablespoons berbere spice, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir cooked lentils into the spiced onion mixture, mash lightly with the back of a spoon to combine, then remove from heat and let cool.
5. Step 5: Preheat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F for frying sambusas.
6. Step 6: Place 1 sambusa wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of lentil filling near one edge. Fold the wrapper over to form a triangle and continue folding along the length to seal the edges with a little water.
7. Step 7: Fry 3-4 sambusas at a time in hot oil for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
8. Step 8: For the dipping sauce, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
9. Step 9: Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened and tangy.
10. Step 10: Serve the hot lentil sambusas with the spicy tomato sauce for dipping.