Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Vegetarian lentil patties coated in injera crumbs served with a warm, spiced tomato sauce inspired by Ethiopian flavors. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

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 red lentils, rinsed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

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 Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Tomato Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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