Fried Ethiopian Sambusa with Spiced Lentil Filling

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy fried sambusas filled with a richly spiced lentil mixture, perfect as flavorful street food or an appetizer. This ethiopian-inspired street food ready in about 50 minutes pairs rinsed green lentils, water, small, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 6, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Ethiopian cuisine 300 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup rinsed green lentils with 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until lentils are tender and water is absorbed. Drain any excess water.
  2. Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp berbere spice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir the cooked lentils into the spiced onion mixture and mash slightly with a fork to bind the filling. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Step 4: Lay out 12 samosa or spring roll wrappers on a clean surface. Place about 2 tbsp of lentil filling near one corner and fold the wrapper into a triangular shape, sealing edges with a little water.
  5. Step 5: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry sambusas in batches for 3-4 minutes each until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fried Ethiopian Sambusa with Spiced Lentil Filling take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Fried Ethiopian Sambusa with Spiced Lentil Filling?

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 rinsed green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fried Ethiopian Sambusa with Spiced Lentil Filling?

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 Fried Ethiopian Sambusa with Spiced Lentil Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Fried Ethiopian Sambusa with Spiced Lentil Filling?

Ethiopian 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