Injera-Crusted Lentil Sambusas

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

Crispy Ethiopian-inspired sambusas filled with seasoned lentils, wrapped in injera batter for a unique twist on a savory snack. This ethiopian-inspired vegan ready in about 50 minutes pairs red lentils, water, yellow onion, finely diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, 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: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 Ethiopian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils and combine with 2.5 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are soft and water is absorbed.
  2. Step 2: Drain any excess water and mash lentils slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tbsp berbere spice mix, 1 tsp salt, and the mashed lentils to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F.
  6. Step 6: Dip small squares (about 4x4 inches) of injera batter in a bowl, coating lightly on both sides.
  7. Step 7: Place 2 tbsp of lentil filling onto each injera square, fold into a triangle or half-moon shape, pressing edges to seal.
  8. Step 8: Fry sambusas in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Step 9: Drain on paper towels and serve warm as a savory snack or appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Injera-Crusted Lentil Sambusas take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 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 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 red lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Injera-Crusted 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 Injera-Crusted Lentil Sambusas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Sambusas vegan?

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

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