Injera: Ethiopian Flatbread

Awhile ago, I went to Bunna Cafe in Brooklyn and fell in love with the Ethiopian cuisine, especially the flatbread Injera. So I finally had a go at making it and it was a success.

Did you know Injera is gluten free, spongy, sourdough flatbread which is fermented 1-3 days, depending on ones taste. This fermentation process helps break down gluten proteins and neutralizes phytates, which interfere with vitamin and mineral absorption.

Injera (Ethiopian Sour Flatbread)

Ingredients

¼ cup gluten-free sourdough starter

1 ½ cups teff flour

½ tsp salt

2 cups lukewarm water

Coconut oil or ghee for greasing

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours and salt until well mixed. Add the water, stirring until combined. Cover loosely with a paper towel and let stand, undisturbed overnight.
2. Gently agitate the mixture with a wooden spoon in the morning (there should be bubbles already forming on the surface, and the fermenting water should have risen to the top), cover again and let stand at room temperature, undisturbed overnight. Repeat this cycle once more. After 3-4 days, your injera should smell sour and be very bubbly, which means that it’s ready!
3. Stir the mixture until combined. Heat a large, lightly-oiled heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add about 1/3 cup of the batter to the skillet, forming a thin layer of batter over the pan. Cook until bubbles form on the entire surface of the flatbread (do not flip; only cook one side like a crepe), and, using a metal spatula, remove the injera and transfer to a plate. Repeat until all of the batter is used, adding oil to the skillet as necessary. Serve with spicy vegetables, lentils or meat dishes of your choice.