Ethiopian Sambusa with Spiced Beef and Lentils
Crispy fried pastry triangles filled with seasoned ground beef, red lentils, and aromatic spices. Served warm with a squeeze of lemon, these are perfect as an appetizer or light dinner.
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 16g
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 tsp spiced spice blend (or 1 tsp paprika + 0.5 tsp cayenne + 0.25 tsp cardamom)
- 12 sheets egg roll or phyllo wrappers
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1
Boil lentils in salted water for 12 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- 2
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add diced onion to beef and cook 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- 4
Stir in garlic and spiced spice blend; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Drain lentils and fold into beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool 5 minutes.
- 6
Lay one wrapper on a clean surface. Place 1 tbsp filling in bottom corner. Fold corner over filling, then fold sides inward, then roll tightly into triangle.
- 7
Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350°F, about 5 minutes. Oil should shimmer and bubble around a wood spoon dipped in it.
- 8
Fry sambunas in batches, 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Do not overcrowd.
- 9
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Tools you’ll need
- large skillet
- medium pot
- heavy pot or deep-sided pan, 3-quart minimum
- cooking thermometer
- paper towels
- spoon for stirring
- slotted spoon or skimmer for frying
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