Teff Sourdough Flatbread

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

A traditional Ethiopian flatbread made from fermented teff flour, with a delicate tang and soft texture perfect for scooping up stews. This ethiopian-inspired street food ready in about 35 minutes pairs teff flour, active sourdough starter, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 115 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 115 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup teff flour, 1/4 cup active sourdough starter, 1 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until smooth with a wooden spoon.
  2. Step 2: Cover with a clean cloth and let rest at room temperature for 24 hours to ferment, until batter is bubbly and has a sour aroma.
  3. Step 3: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with oil.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/4 cup batter into the skillet, immediately swirling to form a thin, even circle.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 2 minutes until edges lift and surface is dotted with bubbles.
  6. Step 6: Flip and cook for 1 minute more, until golden. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining batter.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Teff Sourdough Flatbread take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Sourdough 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 Teff Sourdough 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 Teff Sourdough Flatbread 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.

What goes well with Teff Sourdough Flatbread?

Ethiopian street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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