Injera (Fermented Sourdough Bread)

May 17, 2023May 17, 20230 10

Injera, a traditional Ethiopian fermented sourdough bread

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

72-120 min

Cook

20-25 min

Ready In

3-5 days

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

	1 1/2 lbs teff flour
	1/2 lb barley flour
	1/4 cup wheat flour

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

127

Sugar

0.5g

Fat

0.8g

Injera is a staple food in many East African countries, but it is particularly associated with Ethiopia, where it is often served with stews and curries. It is sometimes used as a utensil, with diners tearing off a piece of injera to scoop up the food. The fermentation process gives injera its unique sour flavor and bubbly texture, making it a great accompaniment to spicy and flavorful dishes. Injera can also be enjoyed on its own, with honey or other sweet toppings.

Instructions

1.	In a bowl, mix teff flour and barley flour.
2.	Add wheat flour and mix them together until the flours are well-combined.
3.	Put the mixture in a jar and pour water, cover it with a cheesecloth and set it aside for 3-5 days until the mixture is fermented.
4.	Add water to make a batter of a thin pancake consistency, mix it with your hand and let it sit for another 20 minutes.
5.	Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, pour a ladleful of batter and spread it gently to form a thin pancake.
6.	Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes.
7.	Remove from the heat and stack the cooked injera on a plate.

PROS

Injera is low in fat and high in fiber and protein.
It is gluten-free, vegan, and has a unique sour flavor that goes well with many dishes.

CONS

The fermentation process is time-consuming, and the batter needs to be watched carefully to avoid over or under-fermentation which would affect the quality of the bread.
Teff flour may be difficult to find outside of specialty stores.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Injera’s high fiber and protein content make it a satisfying and filling food. Teff flour is also rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, making it a good addition to a varied and balanced diet.