Ethiopian injera with vegan stew tutorial
Injera, a staple of Ethiopian cuisine, is a sourdough-risen flatbread with a unique, slightly spongy texture. Traditionally made from teff flour, it is served with various stews and salads. Vegan stews can include lentils to mixed vegetables, all rich in spices and flavor. This dish offers a dive into Ethiopian culinary culture and caters to vegetarian and vegan diets. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For the injera, you will need two cups of teff flour, three cups of water, and one-half teaspoon of salt. For the vegan stew, gather one cup of red lentils, one large onion finely chopped, two cloves of garlic minced, two tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon each of turmeric and paprika, salt and pepper to taste, and three cups of water or vegetable broth.
Preparing the injera batter
In a large bowl, mix two cups of teff flour with three cups of water. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to ferment at room temperature, which can take one to three days depending on your local climate. The batter should start to bubble and rise, signaling that it is ready for cooking.
Cooking the injera
Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of the batter into the skillet, quickly swirling it to cover the surface evenly. Cook until holes appear on the surface, and the edges begin to lift from the pan, which takes about two to three minutes. Then, carefully remove the injera and place it on a clean cloth to cool.
Preparing vegan stew
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium. Saute one chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves until translucent. Add one teaspoon each of turmeric and paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in one cup of red lentils and three cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the lentils soften, about 20 minutes.
Serving suggestions
To serve Ethiopian style, place injera on a large platter with the vegan stew either spooned on top or beside it. This allows you to tear off pieces of injera and scoop up the stew, offering an authentic dining experience. This guide simplifies Ethiopian culinary traditions for your kitchen, perfect for exploring new cultures through food while adhering to vegetarian or vegan diets.
