Main Course · Dinner · African · Italian ·

Creamy Ethiopian Injera Lasagna with Spiced Lentils

Name: Creamy Ethiopian Injera Lasagna with Spiced Lentils
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 8 large injera sheets; 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; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Nutmeg, pinch; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

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

4.1(420 reviews)

·By Troy·September 26, 2025

Creamy Ethiopian Injera Lasagna with Spiced Lentils — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

Injera Base

Spiced Lentil Filling

Cream Sauce

Cheese Layer

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 458 kcal
Protein: 21.75 g
Carbs: 45 g
Fat: 21.4 g
Fiber: 7.9 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2750 kcal
Protein: 130.5 g
Carbs: 271 g
Fat: 128.5 g
Fiber: 47.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
8 large injera sheets	800	24	156	8	24
1 cup green lentils rinsed and drained	230	18	40	1	16
1 tablespoon olive oil	120	0	0	14	0
1 onion finely chopped	40	1	9	0	1.5
2 garlic cloves minced	10	0	2	0	0
1 tablespoon berbere spice	8	0.5	2	0	1
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes	60	2	14	0	4
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
3 tablespoons butter	300	0	0	33	0
3 tablespoons flour	90	3	18	0.5	1
2 cups milk	240	16	24	10	0
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated	210	18	2	14	0
Nutmeg pinch	2	0	0	0	0
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded	640	48	4	48	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Cooking the Lentils

1
Boil Lentils
Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, then add the lentils.
2
Cook Lentils
Cook the lentils for about 20 minutes or until tender.
Tip: Avoid overcooking the lentils to maintain their texture.
3
Drain Lentils
Drain any excess water and set aside.

Preparing the Spiced Filling

1
Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2
Sauté Vegetables
Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the berbere spice, cooked lentils, and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Tip: Let the spiced lentil mixture cool slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess.

How to Make Creamy Ethiopian Injera Lasagna with Spiced Lentils

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 6 servings

1
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.
2
Layer the Lasagna
Lightly oil a baking dish, layer injera sheets, spread spiced lentil filling, spoon cream sauce, sprinkle mozzarella, and repeat.
3
Bake the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbling.