Teff Injera Breads with Tangy Fermented Batter

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

Traditional Ethiopian flatbreads made from fermented teff flour batter, soft and spongy with a slightly sour flavor perfect for scooping stews. This Ethiopian-inspired gluten-free recipe, ready in about 70 minutes, pairs teff flour, water, salt 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves 8 Ethiopian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups teff flour and 3 cups water until smooth with no lumps.
  2. Step 2: Cover the bowl loosely with a kitchen towel and leave at room temperature for 48 hours to ferment until the batter becomes bubbly and develops a mild sour aroma.
  3. Step 3: After fermentation, stir in 1 teaspoon salt and mix well.
  4. Step 4: Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  5. Step 5: Pour about 1/2 cup of batter into the skillet and quickly swirl the pan to spread the batter thinly and evenly in a circular shape.
  6. Step 6: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges lift and the surface is full of tiny holes; do not flip the injera.
  7. Step 7: Remove the injera and let cool on a flat surface. Repeat with remaining batter, stacking the injera with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Teff Injera Breads with Tangy Fermented Batter take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (10 min prep + 60 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 Teff Injera Breads with Tangy Fermented Batter?

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 Teff Injera Breads with Tangy Fermented Batter?

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 Injera Breads with Tangy Fermented Batter 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 Teff Injera Breads with Tangy Fermented Batter 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.