Injera-Inspired Savory Pancakes with Spiced Lentil Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-02 · Updated 2026-05-02

Light, tangy pancakes paired with a hearty Ethiopian spiced lentil stew for a wholesome vegetarian meal. This Ethiopian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers red lentils, yellow onion, garlic cloves into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 inch, minced ginger
• 1 tbsp berbere spice blend
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup teff flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils and place in a pot with 3 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until lentils are soft.
2. Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 inch minced ginger, and 1 tbsp berbere spice blend. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 3 more minutes, then add the cooked lentils and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until thickened.
5. Step 5: For the pancakes, whisk together 1 cup teff flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 1/4 cups warm water into a smooth batter.
6. Step 6: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour 1/4 cup batter, swirling into a thin circle. Cook until bubbles form and edges lift, about 2 minutes, then flip and cook an additional minute.
7. Step 7: Serve the lentil stew hot, ladled onto or alongside the savory pancakes for dipping.