Authentic Injera: Traditional Ethiopian Flatbread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sourdough flatbread made from teff flour with a slightly tangy flavor and chewy texture, essential for Ethiopian feasts. This ethiopian-inspired street food (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs teff flour, water, active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 Ethiopian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup teff flour, 1/2 cup warm water (110°F), 1/2 tsp active dry yeast, 1/4 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Cover with a damp cloth and let rest at room temperature for 24 hours to ferment.
  3. Step 3: After fermentation, stir batter until smooth (should have pancake-like consistency; add water if too thick).
  4. Step 4: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil with 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
  5. Step 5: Pour 1/4 cup batter onto skillet, quickly spreading into a circle with a spoon. Cook 2-3 minutes until edges lift and top bubbles.
  6. Step 6: Flip and cook 1 minute until golden. Transfer to plate and repeat with remaining batter.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Injera: Traditional Ethiopian Flatbread take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Injera: Traditional Ethiopian Flatbread?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep teff flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Injera: Traditional Ethiopian Flatbread?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Injera: Traditional Ethiopian Flatbread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Injera: Traditional Ethiopian Flatbread gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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