Teff and Chickpea Injera-Inspired Savory Pancakes

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

Savory pancakes made from teff and chickpea flours, infused with cumin and fresh herbs, inspired by Ethiopian injera textures and flavors. This Ethiopian-inspired vegetarian recipe (gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, layers teff flour, chickpea flour, warm water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup teff flour and 1/2 cup chickpea flour until combined.
  2. Step 2: Gradually pour in 1 1/2 cups warm water, whisking continuously until a smooth, thin batter forms without lumps.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions, and 1 tsp salt until evenly distributed.
  4. Step 4: Let the batter rest for 30 minutes at room temperature to hydrate and slightly thicken.
  5. Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brush with 1 tsp vegetable oil.
  6. Step 6: Pour about 1/3 cup batter into the skillet, swirling to form a thin pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges lift and bubbles appear on the surface, then flip carefully and cook for 1 more minute until golden.
  7. Step 7: Repeat with remaining batter, brushing skillet with oil as needed. Serve warm with dips or stews.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Teff and Chickpea Injera-Inspired Savory Pancakes take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Teff and Chickpea Injera-Inspired Savory Pancakes?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Teff and Chickpea Injera-Inspired Savory Pancakes?

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 Teff and Chickpea Injera-Inspired Savory Pancakes 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 Teff and Chickpea Injera-Inspired Savory Pancakes 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.