Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Sambusas

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-29 · Updated 2026-06-29

Crispy triangular pastries filled with a savory mix of spiced lentils and vegetables, perfect as an appetizer or snack. This african-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes turns sheets pre-made spring roll wrappers, red lentils, cooked, medium carrot, finely grated 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 180 calories and feeds 6, 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

• 12 sheets pre-made spring roll wrappers
• 1 cup red lentils, cooked
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp berbere spice
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup (for sealing) water
• as needed oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp berbere spice and 1 tsp cumin powder, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup cooked red lentils, 1 medium finely grated carrot, and 1 tsp salt, mixing well. Cook for 3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Step 4: To form sambusas, lay 1 spring roll wrapper on a clean surface. Cut in half lengthwise to form two long strips.
5. Step 5: Place 2 tbsp of the lentil filling near the bottom corner of one strip. Fold the corner over the filling to form a triangle, then continue folding the triangle up the strip until sealed. Use 1/4 cup water to moisten the edge and seal securely.
6. Step 6: Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
7. Step 7: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry sambusas in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.