Injera-Wrapped Spiced Lentil and Collard Green Rolls

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

Tender lentils and sautéed collard greens seasoned with Ethiopian spices wrapped inside delicate injera flatbread. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs red lentils, water (for lentils), collard greens, chopped 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils with 3 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until lentils are soft and most liquid is absorbed.
  2. Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large 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 and 1 tbsp berbere spice blend to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups chopped collard greens, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
  5. Step 5: Drain any excess liquid from the lentils and mix them into the collard greens mixture, stirring gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Lay one piece of injera flatbread on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the lentil and greens filling onto the center. Fold the sides over and roll tightly to form a wrap.
  7. Step 7: Repeat with remaining injera and filling. Serve the rolls at room temperature or lightly warmed as a flavorful vegetarian meal or appetizer.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Injera-Wrapped Spiced Lentil and Collard Green Rolls take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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-Wrapped Spiced Lentil and Collard Green Rolls?

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-Wrapped Spiced Lentil and Collard Green Rolls?

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-Wrapped Spiced Lentil and Collard Green Rolls 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-Wrapped Spiced Lentil and Collard Green Rolls 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.

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