Ethiopian Spiced Fried Lentil Sambusas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy triangular pastries filled with a spiced lentil mixture, perfect for sharing as a flavorful street food snack. This african-inspired street food ready in about 35 minutes pairs red lentils, cooked and drained, garlic clove, minced, berbere spice blend for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 5 African cuisine 190 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté 1/2 cup finely chopped onion with 1 minced garlic clove in 1 tbsp vegetable oil for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup cooked and drained red lentils and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, cooking for 3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Step 4: Cut 10 samosa pastry sheets into strips about 3 inches wide. Place a spoonful of lentil filling at one end of each strip, fold into a triangle shape, and continue folding until sealed.
  5. Step 5: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the sambusas in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Drain on paper towels and serve warm with a side of spiced yogurt or chutney.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian Spiced Fried Lentil Sambusas take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ethiopian Spiced Fried Lentil Sambusas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic clove, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian Spiced Fried Lentil Sambusas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ethiopian Spiced Fried Lentil Sambusas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ethiopian Spiced Fried Lentil Sambusas?

African street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes