Injera
AI-generated image
Vegan Ethiopian

Injera

A naturally fermented Ethiopian flatbread made with teff flour, prized for its lacy surface, pleasantly tangy flavor, and soft, spongy texture. Use it to scoop up stews, lentils, and vegetables.

50 min 8 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Whisk 240 g of the teff flour, 480 ml of the lukewarm water, and the sourdough starter in a large bowl until smooth. Cover loosely and leave at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours, until visibly bubbly and pleasantly sour.
2
Bring 240 ml of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Whisk the remaining 120 g teff flour with 120 ml of cool water to make a smooth slurry, then gradually whisk in the boiling water. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and glossy. Cool for 10 minutes.
3
Whisk the warm cooked teff mixture into the fermented batter. Add the remaining 120 ml lukewarm water, baking powder, and salt, then mix until the batter is smooth and pourable. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
4
Heat a 25 cm nonstick skillet or electric griddle over medium heat until a drop of water evaporates immediately. Lightly wipe the surface with oil only if needed; a well-seasoned nonstick surface generally requires none.
5
Pour about 120 ml batter into the center of the hot pan, quickly spiraling outward to form a thin round about 20 to 22 cm wide. Cover and bake for 2 to 3 minutes, until the surface is full of holes, no wet batter remains, and the edges begin to lift. Do not flip.
Injera with a lacy honeycomb surface and set edges in the skillet. AI-generated image
6
Transfer the injera to a clean cloth or plate and cool until just warm. Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the breads only after each has cooled slightly so they do not stick together.
7
Serve the injera warm or at room temperature with Ethiopian stews, lentils, and vegetables, using pieces of the bread in place of cutlery.
Injera served with Ethiopian stews, lentils, and vegetables. AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Teff provides injera’s earthy flavor and flexible, slightly gelatinous crumb, while a long fermentation develops the characteristic tang. A covered, one-sided cook sets the lacy top without sacrificing softness.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool completely, stack with parchment between pieces, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

How to reheat it

Warm individually in a covered skillet over low heat for 20 to 30 seconds, or microwave under a barely damp towel for 15 to 20 seconds. Do not overheat, or the bread will dry out.

Nutrition / serving

179kcal
6.44 gprotein
35.88 gcarbs
1.13 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 21 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026