The electric injera stove, also known as Mitad, is a traditional Ethiopian cooking appliance specifically designed for making injera, a popular and spongy Ethiopian flatbread. Injera is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine and is typically made from teff flour, a gluten-free grain.
The Mitad works by providing a large, flat, and evenly heated surface to cook the injera batter. Here's how it operates:
Heating Element: The electric injera stove contains an electric heating element embedded within the cooking surface. This heating element generates heat when the stove is turned on and connected to a power source.
Temperature Control: Most Mitad stoves come with a temperature control knob that allows users to adjust the level of heat generated by the heating element. This control is essential for achieving the ideal temperature needed for cooking injera.
Cooking Surface: The cooking surface of the Mitad is typically made from cast iron or another heat-retaining material. The thickness and quality of the cooking surface contribute to even heat distribution and help maintain a consistent temperature.
Preheating: Before making injera, the Mitad needs to be preheated to the desired cooking temperature. The user can adjust the temperature control knob to the appropriate level and allow the stove to reach the desired heat.
Injera Batter: Meanwhile, the injera batter is prepared separately, usually by mixing teff flour with water and letting it ferment for a certain period. Fermentation is crucial for the characteristic tangy flavor and slight bubbling of the injera.
Cooking Injera: Once the Mitad has reached the desired cooking temperature, a ladle of the injera batter is poured onto the hot surface. The batter spreads out across the surface, forming a thin, round, and spongy flatbread. The injera is cooked on one side only, and the process is relatively quick due to the high heat of the Mitad.
Removal: When the injera is ready, it is carefully lifted off the Mitad's surface. Injera is traditionally served with various stews and dishes, and its spongy texture makes it ideal for scooping up the flavorsome sauces.
The electric injera stove offers a convenient and efficient way to make injera compared to the traditional clay or charcoal-based Mitads. It allows for precise temperature control, even heat distribution, and ease of use, making the injera-making process more accessible to home cooks and restaurants alike.