Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Yogurt Sauce

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

Pan-fried lentil patties coated with crumbled injera bread, served with a cooling spiced yogurt sauce for contrast. This african-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes blends red lentils, rinsed, water, injera bread, crumbled into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 cup rinsed red lentils with 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until lentils are soft and water is absorbed. Let cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, mash the cooked lentils with 1/2 cup crumbled injera bread, 1 small finely chopped yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined but still slightly chunky.
  3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into eight 3-inch diameter patties.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint until smooth and tangy.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot lentil patties with a generous dollop of the spiced yogurt sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Yogurt 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 Yogurt 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.

What goes well with Injera-Crusted Lentil Patties with Spiced Yogurt Sauce?

African vegetarian 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.

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