Sourdough-Injera Flatbread with Spiced Butter

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

A crispy, tangy flatbread made with sourdough starter, finished with a warm, aromatic spiced butter for dipping. This ethiopian-inspired street food (gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs sourdough starter, teff flour, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Ethiopian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup sourdough starter, 1.5 cups teff flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gradually add 1.25 cups water while mixing with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Divide dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into 6-inch circles about 1/8-inch thick. Let rest for 10 minutes while preheating a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Place one dough circle in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until bubbles form and edges lift. Flip and cook for 1 minute more until golden brown. Repeat with remaining dough.
  5. Step 5: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp ghee and 2 tbsp coconut oil over low heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp ground cardamom and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Heat for 1 minute until fragrant, then brush over warm injera.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sourdough-Injera Flatbread with Spiced Butter take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (35 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 Sourdough-Injera Flatbread with Spiced Butter?

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 sourdough starter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sourdough-Injera Flatbread with Spiced Butter?

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 Sourdough-Injera Flatbread with Spiced Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Sourdough-Injera Flatbread with Spiced Butter 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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