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Vegan Lentil Sambusa Pie

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This Vegan Lentil Sambusa Pie is a flavorful twist on the traditional Ethiopian sambusa, baked into an easy, flaky pie. Filled with spiced lentils, herbs, and aromatics, it delivers bold flavor in every bite—perfect for dinner, entertaining, or hearty snacking.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Ethiopian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 15 oz cooked lentils (or 1½ cups)
  • 2 tsp oil
  • 1½ cups chopped red onion
  • ½ cup chopped green onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ inch piece of ginger, minced
  • 1 hot green chili (or 3 mild chilies), minced
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1½ tsp berbere spice
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ tsp lemon juice (or more to taste)
  • 1 sheet vegan puff pastry (approx. 9x9 inches)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. If using canned lentils, rinse and drain well. If cooking from dry, cook until tender and drain excess water.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add red onion with a pinch of salt and cook until golden, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Add green onion, garlic, ginger, and chili. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in coriander, cumin, berbere, cardamom, and black pepper. Toast spices for 1 minute.
  6. Add lentils, cilantro, salt, lemon juice, and ¼ cup water. Stir well and cook for 3–4 minutes until combined and slightly thickened. Let the filling cool completely.
  7. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to roughly double its original size. Cut in half lengthwise.
  8. Spread lentil mixture on one half, leaving a ½-inch border. Brush edges with water, cover with second sheet, and seal with a fork. Prick top to vent.
  9. Transfer pie to a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
  10. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Cool the lentil filling completely before assembling to prevent a soggy crust.
  • Adjust spice level with more or fewer chilies and berbere spice.
  • Add breadcrumbs to the filling if it’s too moist before assembling.
  • Serve with vegan yogurt sauce, tahini dip, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/vegan-lentil-sambusa-pie/