Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-09 · Updated 2026-05-09

Vegetarian lentil patties coated in injera crumbs served with a warm, spiced tomato sauce inspired by Ethiopian flavors. This Ethiopian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs red lentils, rinsed, water, injera bread, torn into crumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup injera bread, torn into crumbs
• 1 medium (about 3/4 cup) yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon berbere spice mix
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine 1 cup rinsed red lentils and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until lentils are soft but not mushy. Drain excess water if necessary.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until fragrant and golden.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed onion mixture, 1 tablespoon berbere spice mix, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Mix well.
4. Step 4: Form the lentil mixture into 8 patties about 3 inches in diameter, then coat each patty evenly with 1 cup torn injera bread crumbs.
5. Step 5: Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Fry patties for 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, warm 1 cup tomato sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until hot and slightly thickened.
7. Step 7: Serve the patties hot with the spiced tomato sauce spooned over or on the side.