Spiced Lentil and Split Pea Sambusa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy Ethiopian-style sambusas filled with a savory blend of spiced lentils and yellow split peas, perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack. This african-inspired snacks ready in about 45 minutes pairs rinsed yellow split peas, rinsed red lentils, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 African cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup yellow split peas, 1/2 cup red lentils, and 2.5 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the legumes are soft and water is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked lentils and split peas to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 5 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Step 5: Lay out one samosa wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 2 tbsp of the filling near one corner, fold into a triangle, and continue folding to seal the edges, using a little water to glue the wrapper.
  6. Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry 3-4 sambusas at a time for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm with a dipping sauce or chutney.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lentil and Split Pea Sambusa take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 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 Spiced Lentil and Split Pea Sambusa?

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 rinsed yellow split peas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lentil and Split Pea Sambusa?

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 Spiced Lentil and Split Pea Sambusa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Lentil and Split Pea Sambusa?

African snacks 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.

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