Literary Arts Magazine Spring 2010 | Page 64

she feels helpless or is swallowing the taste of failure About Ethiopian Injera I am a mother, Who would like to see her daughter growing up healthy and happy Who would like to see her other family members healthy and happy Who would like to see all the people living in a peaceful and harmonious world 1st Injera is made with teff, round grain that flourishes in the highlands of Ethiopia. While teff is very nutritious, it contains practically no gluten. This makes teff ill-suited for making raised bread, however injera still takes advantage of the special properties of yeast. A short period of fermentation gives it an airy, bubbly texture, and also a slightly sour taste. 2nd Mix ground teff with cups of water and let stand in a bowl covered with a dish towel, at room temperature, until it bubbles and has turned sour. This may take as long as 3 days. That fermenting mixture should be the consistency of pancake batter which is (exactly what it is), but not as thick as a traditional pancake. It will rise slightly when it heats. 3rd Lightly oil your largest skillet. Heat over medium-high heat. Then proceed as you would with a normal pancake or crepe. 4th Cook briefly until holes form in the injera and the edges lift from the pan. Remove and let cool. 5th This spongy, sour flatbread is used to scoop up meat and vegetable stews. Injera also lines the tray on which the stews are served, soaking up their juices as the meal progresses. When this edible tablecloth is eaten, the meal is finally over. This is the way to eat and make traditional Ethiopian injera. Teacher: Christopher Ladd Vocabulary Afternoon Spring 2009 By Almaz Mekonnen Teacher: Christopher Ladd Vocabulary Class Afternoon Fall 2009 63