Ethio-Yum-erican Bites—Snack for 6

Ethio-Yum-erican Bites are a delightful snack combining Ethiopian and American flavors. These bite-sized morsels feature a blend of spiced lentils, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, wrapped in a crispy pastry shell. Perfect for sharing, these fusion treats offer a unique and satisfying taste experience.

Meal Type

Snack

Cuisine

Ethiopian American Fusion

Servings

6

Food Stars

Health

Variations

Diets

Variations

You Need This Stuff

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup tomato, diced
  • 1 tsp berbere spice mix
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (eg, cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 12 sheets phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Do This With That Stuff

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  3. In a large pot, combine 1 cup red lentils and 2 cups water, bring to a boil over medium-high heat
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender
  5. Drain lentils in a colander and set aside
  6. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat
  7. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened
  8. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute
  9. Stir in 1/2 cup diced bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced tomato, 1 tsp berbere spice mix, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp ground coriander; cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender
  10. Add cooked lentils to the skillet and stir well to combine; season with salt and black pepper to taste
  11. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool slightly before stirring in the shredded cheese (2 cups)
  12. Unroll phyllo dough sheets on a clean surface; keep covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent drying out
  13. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on the cutting board; brush lightly with melted unsalted butter (from the small bowl)
  14. Place another sheet on top of the first one; brush again with melted butter
  15. Cut the stacked sheets into six equal rectangles (two rows of three)
  16. Place approximately two tablespoons of filling onto one end of each rectangle; fold phyllo dough over filling diagonally to form a triangle shape (like folding a flag)
  17. Continue folding back and forth until you reach the end of the strip; brush edges with melted butter to seal triangle pockets closed
  18. Repeat process with remaining phyllo sheets and filling, making a total of 12 triangle pockets
  19. Place filled triangles on the prepared baking sheet; brush tops with any remaining melted butter
  20. Bake for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown and crispy

Obvious and Not So Obvious Variations and Pairings

Beti’s Reflections

On a recent culinary adventure, I stumbled upon a hidden gem of a recipe that marries the bold flavors of Ethiopian cuisine with the comforting goodness of American fare. The result? Ethio-Yum-erican Bites! These scrumptious morsels are the perfect fusion of Ethiopian American Recipe, featuring spiced lentils, sautéed veggies, and gooey cheese all wrapped up in a crispy phyllo dough shell. Trust me when I say these Berbere Lentil Triangles are about to become your new favorite snack.

This delightful Phyllo Dough Appetizer serves six people and is perfect for sharing at your next gathering. However, it’s important to note that this recipe contains dairy and gluten, so it may not be suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions or allergies.

The magic behind these Cheesy Lentil Pockets lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients. Red lentils provide a hearty base while berbere spice mix adds an Ethiopian flair with its warm and earthy notes. The sautéed onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato bring a burst of freshness to the dish. Finally, shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) adds that irresistible gooey factor we all know and love.

To create these Ethio-Yum-erican Bites, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cook red lentils until tender before sautéing your veggies with spices like berbere mix, cumin, paprika, and coriander. Combine the cooked lentils with the veggie mixture before folding in shredded cheese. Then comes the fun part – wrapping your Cheesy Lentil Triangles in butter-brushed phyllo dough sheets! Once assembled, bake these Spiced Lentil Pockets until golden brown and crispy.

There you have it – the ultimate Ethiopian American fusion appetizer that’s sure to impress your friends and family. These Ethio-Yum-erican Bites are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to introduce new flavors and textures to your palate. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey with these Berbere Lentil Cheese Triangles. Happy cooking!

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Editors Note:

This recipe has not yet been reviewed by a human.

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