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Ethiopian Vegan Brunch Delight: Injera Pancakes with Spicy Berbere Tofu Scramble and Kik Alicha

This recipe is a unique and delicious vegan option for an Ethiopian-inspired brunch. Enjoy fluffy injera pancakes with spicy berbere tofu scramble and vibrant kik alicha sauce for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 40 minutes
🍽 Servings: 2
🔥 Difficulty: Advanced
🌎 Cuisine: Ethiopian

Allergens

Soy (tofu)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup teff flour
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 block firm tofu (14 oz)
  • 2 tbsp berbere spice mix
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup kik alicha sauce (recipe below)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste For Kik Alicha Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup clarified butter or vegan butter substitute
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup chickpea flour
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare injera pancakes by mixing teff flour with water in a blender or mixing bowl until smooth. Cover and let it sit for at least 1 hour. Then, cook the batter on a hot griddle to create soft, spongy pancakes.
  2. For the berbere tofu scramble, press the tofu block to remove excess water, then crumble it into a large pan. Add berbere spice mix, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and tofu is golden brown. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
  3. In another pan, heat clarified butter or vegan substitute, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric powder, and cardamom powder. Slowly whisk in water and chickpea flour, stirring constantly until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble your Ethiopian vegan brunch by placing injera pancakes on a platter, top with berbere tofu scramble, ladle kik alicha sauce over everything, and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Chef’s Insight

The secret to perfect injera lies in the fermentation process of teff flour, which adds a unique, slightly sour flavor and soft texture.

Notes

This recipe showcases the unique flavors and textures of Ethiopian cuisine while offering a vegan-friendly option for brunch enthusiasts. The combination of injera pancakes, berbere tofu scramble, and kik alicha sauce creates an unforgettable sensory experience.

Cultural or Historical Background

Ethiopian cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, with many dishes reflecting the country's rich history and cultural diversity. Injera, kik alicha sauce, and berbere spice mix are staples in Ethiopian cooking, each carrying its own story of culinary evolution over centuries.