Spiced Lentil Pancakes (Injera Alternative)
A gluten-free, savory pancake made from spiced lentils and rice flour, perfect for soaking up rich stews or enjoying with yogurt. This Ethiopian-inspired vegan recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 40 minutes, layers red lentils, rice flour, water 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 120 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 2 cups water
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp berbere spice
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
The griddle we’d cook this on → Best Griddles for 2026: Stovetop and Electric Picks + Buying Guide
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 cup red lentils, 1/2 cup rice flour, 2 cups water, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp berbere spice, and 1 tsp salt. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach a thick batter.
- Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Pour in 1/2 cup of the batter and spread into a round shape.
- Step 3: Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bottom is browned.
- Step 4: Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the pancakes and wrapping in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable.








