Injera Roll-Ups with Spicy Lentil and Collard Greens Filling

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

Soft injera flatbread wrapped around a spicy lentil and sautéed collard greens filling for a flavorful Ethiopian-inspired appetizer. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs red lentils, water, chopped collard greens 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. 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: 20 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1/2 cup red lentils and combine with 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until lentils are soft but not mushy. Drain any excess water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups chopped collard greens and 1 tbsp berbere spice blend to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes until greens are wilted and tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir the cooked lentils into the collard greens mixture. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook together for 2 more minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Step 5: Lay out one injera flatbread on a clean surface. Spoon 1/4 of the lentil and greens filling lengthwise along one edge.
  6. Step 6: Roll the injera tightly around the filling to form a wrap. Repeat with remaining injera and filling.
  7. Step 7: Slice the roll-ups into 2-inch pieces and serve as a flavorful appetizer or snack.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Injera Roll-Ups with Spicy Lentil and Collard Greens Filling take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Roll-Ups with Spicy Lentil and Collard Greens Filling?

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 Roll-Ups with Spicy Lentil and Collard Greens Filling?

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 Roll-Ups with Spicy Lentil and Collard Greens Filling 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 Roll-Ups with Spicy Lentil and Collard Greens Filling 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.

Related recipes