Injera-Style Teff Flatbread with Spiced Lentil Misir Wot

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

Soft and tangy Ethiopian teff flatbread served with a hearty and spicy red lentil stew simmered in berbere and niter kibbeh. This ethiopian-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 55 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 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups teff flour, 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 2 1/2 cups water until smooth. Cover with a cloth and let ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours until bubbly with a slightly sour aroma.
  2. Step 2: Once fermented, stir the batter and add water as needed to achieve a thin pancake batter consistency.
  3. Step 3: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour about 1/2 cup batter in a spiral motion to form a large thin circle. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until holes form on the surface and the edges lift easily. Do not flip. Remove and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: For the lentil stew, heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 8 minutes until softened.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger, cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice mix and 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 3 minutes to deepen flavor.
  7. Step 7: Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils and 3 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until lentils are soft and stew thickens.
  8. Step 8: Season with salt to taste. Serve the lentil stew hot alongside warm injera flatbread for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Injera-Style Teff Flatbread with Spiced Lentil Misir Wot take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Injera-Style Teff Flatbread with Spiced Lentil Misir Wot?

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 Injera-Style Teff Flatbread with Spiced Lentil Misir Wot?

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 Injera-Style Teff Flatbread with Spiced Lentil Misir Wot for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Injera-Style Teff Flatbread with Spiced Lentil Misir Wot vegan?

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