Skip to main content

Injera (Ethiopian Flat Bread)

by Abeba Tekle
Injera is a traditional sourdough flatbread from Ethiopia, known for its unique spongy texture and slightly tangy flavor. It serves as both a staple food and an edible utensil for scooping up various stews.
Total Time
3 days and 20 mins
Difficulty
Tricky

Translate this page to your language!

Simple Tasty Recipes

Ingredients for 6 servings Servings

  • 1 3/4 cups
    All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup
    Self-rising flour
  • 1/4 cup
    Whole wheat flour
  • 1 packet
    Dry yeast
  • 2 1/2 cups
    Warm water
  • 1/2 tsp
    Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp
    Salt

Time

  • Preparation Time
    3 days
  • Cooking Time
    20 mins
  • Total Time
    3 days and 20 mins

Goes Great with

Method

  1. In a ceramic or glass bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, self-rising flour, whole wheat flour, and yeast.
  2. Gradually add the warm water, stirring until you have a smooth, fairly thin batter.
  3. Cover the bowl loosely and let the mixture ferment at room temperature for three full days. Stir the batter once daily to encourage consistent fermentation; you will notice it bubbling and rising.
  4. After fermentation, stir in the baking soda and salt. Let the batter rest for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  5. Preheat a 9-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Test the pan by dropping a little water; it should bounce on the surface.
  6. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter into the center of the pan and quickly swirl to coat the bottom evenly.
  7. Cook on one side only. Do not flip. The bread is done when the moisture has evaporated and small 'eyes' or bubbles appear across the surface.
  8. Carefully remove the injera and stack on a plate to cool. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Notes:

  • Fermentation is Key: The 3-day wait is essential for that signature tangy flavor. Ensure your kitchen is not too cold, as this can stall fermentation.
  • Pan Temperature: Finding the right heat is crucial; if the pan is too hot, the bottom will burn before the top sets. If too cold, the bubbles won't form.
  • Storage: Keep the finished injera covered with a clean kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out while you cook the rest of the batch.
Goes Great with

Use our search tool to find a recipe


Cooking Convertion Calculator


Related Video