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The Art of Making Injera

How to Make Injera: The Traditional 3 to 5 Day Fermentation Process

Pure Teff, Time & Passion


“Three days, one age-old tradition, countless generations of Ethiopian culinary heritage in each Injera.”

01Day 1

እርሾ ማዘጋጀት

Feeding the Starter (Ersho) & Preparing Batter

Pure Teff flour is mixed with water to make a smooth batter. A liquid starter saved from previous batches (Ersho) is added, and the mixture is left to rest in a warm place. Over the initial days, beneficial wild microorganisms multiply, causing the batter to rise, bubble, and begin developing its signature tangy taste.

02Days 2 & 3

አብሲት ማፍላት

Fermenting & Cooking the Absit Porridge

Since Teff is 100% naturally gluten-free, the batter needs help holding its structure on the griddle. To fix this, a small portion of the fermented liquid is cooked with boiling water into a thin porridge called absit. Once cooled, it is folded back into the fermented dough, unlocking the essential elasticity and spongy texture needed for perfect Injera.

03Day 4

ምጣድ ማሞቅ

Heating the Clay Griddle (Mitad)

Baking requires a mitad — a heavy earthenware disc that has been seasoned with oils and seeds over many years until its surface is jet-black and silky smooth. A steady fire is stoked beneath it until the clay reaches high heat, and the surface is wiped clean just before pouring.

04Day 4

በስፒራል ማፍሰስ

Pouring the Continuous Spiral

The cook pours the thin batter from a pitcher onto the hot clay stone, moving in a smooth, continuous spiral from the outer rim inward toward the center. The batter bubbles instantly as it touches the heat, and a heavy straw lid (akenbalo) is placed over the griddle to trap the steam.

05Day 5

ዓይን እና ማቀዝቀዝ

Watching the Eyes Form, Cooling & Serving

Trapped steam cooks the batter from above, opening thousands of tiny craters across the surface known as 'eyes' — the ultimate hallmark of authentic, well-fermented Injera. The bread is peeled gently using a woven straw mat, allowed to cool, and served as the foundation for communal Ethiopian dining.

Taste Real 100% Teff Injera

Visit Love Grass Restaurant in Abu Hail, Dubai and break bread with family and friends.

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