Injera-Crusted Lentil Sambusas with Fresh Berbere Yogurt Dip
Crispy fried lentil-filled sambusas wrapped in injera dough, paired with a cooling yogurt dip spiced with berbere for a perfect appetizer or snack. This ethiopian-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes blends red lentils, water, small, finely diced yellow onion 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 180 calories and feeds 8, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 cups water
- 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon berbere spice blend
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large sheets injera flatbread
- for frying, about 2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils and combine with 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until lentils are soft and most water is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté 1 small finely diced yellow onion with 1 tablespoon berbere spice blend for 3 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Step 3: Add cooked lentils to the skillet, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes until mixture is thick, then remove from heat to cool.
- Step 4: Lay out 2 large injera sheets and cut each into 4 squares. Place 2 tablespoons of the lentil mixture in the center of each square, fold into triangular sambusas by folding corners and sealing edges gently.
- Step 5: Heat about 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Fry sambusas in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 6: For the dip, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
- Step 7: Serve sambusas warm with the berbere yogurt dip on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Injera-Crusted Lentil Sambusas with Fresh Berbere Yogurt Dip take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Sambusas with Fresh Berbere Yogurt Dip?
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 Sambusas with Fresh Berbere Yogurt Dip?
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 with Fresh Berbere Yogurt Dip 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 with Fresh Berbere Yogurt Dip 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.
