Injera-Spiced Lentil Sambusas with Mitmita Dipping Sauce

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

Crispy Ethiopian-inspired lentil-filled sambusas infused with injera spices, served with a fiery mitmita chili dipping sauce. This african-inspired vegetarian ready in about 45 minutes blends brown lentils, water, medium yellow onion, finely diced 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 320 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: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils and combine with 3 cups water in a pot; bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until lentils are tender and water is mostly absorbed. Drain excess if needed.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp niter kibbeh in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp mitmita spice blend, 1 tsp berbere spice blend, and 1/2 tsp salt; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add cooked lentils to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 3 minutes to meld flavors; remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Step 5: Lay out 12 sambusa wrappers on a clean surface. Place about 2 tbsp of lentil filling near one corner, fold over into a triangular shape, and continue folding to seal the edges securely.
  6. Step 6: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  7. Step 7: Fry sambusas in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  8. Step 8: For dipping sauce, whisk together 1 tsp mitmita chili powder, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
  9. Step 9: Serve sambusas hot with mitmita dipping sauce on the side for a spicy kick.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Injera-Spiced Lentil Sambusas with Mitmita Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Injera-Spiced Lentil Sambusas with Mitmita Dipping 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-Spiced Lentil Sambusas with Mitmita Dipping 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-Spiced Lentil Sambusas with Mitmita Dipping 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-Spiced Lentil Sambusas with Mitmita Dipping 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.

Related recipes