Creamy Ethiopian Injera Lasagna with Spiced Lentils

Name: Creamy Ethiopian Injera Lasagna with Spiced Lentils
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 8 large injera sheets; 1 cup green lentils; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion; 2 garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon berbere spice; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; Salt and pepper; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; Nutmeg; 2 cups mozzarella cheese

A delicious twist on traditional lasagna with Ethiopian flavors

Discover the fusion of Italian lasagna with Ethiopian spices through this unique and flavorful dish.

1 h 45 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

Injera Base

8 large injera sheets

Spiced Lentil Filling

1 cup green lentils

rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion

finely chopped

2 garlic cloves

minced

1 tablespoon berbere spice

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

Salt and pepper

to taste

Cream Sauce

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

grated

Nutmeg

pinch

Cheese Layer

2 cups mozzarella cheese

shredded

Preparation

Cooking the Lentils

Boil Lentils

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, then add the lentils.

Cook Lentils

Cook the lentils for about 20 minutes or until tender.

Avoid overcooking the lentils to maintain their texture.

Drain Lentils

Drain any excess water and set aside.

Preparing the Spiced Filling

Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté Vegetables

Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the berbere spice, cooked lentils, and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Let the spiced lentil mixture cool slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess.

Cooking Process

Make the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute before gradually adding milk. Stir constantly until thickened, then add Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg.

Layer the Lasagna

Lightly oil a baking dish, layer injera sheets, spread spiced lentil filling, spoon cream sauce, sprinkle mozzarella, and repeat.

Bake the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Plating & Serving