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Fluffy Teff Pilaf Recipe – Easy Ethiopian Friendsgiving Side

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This Fluffy Teff Pilaf is a fragrant, comforting Ethiopian-inspired side dish featuring nutty teff grains, aromatic spices, and colorful veggies. It’s quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free and vegan, and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup teff grain (whole, not flour; ivory or brown)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons berbere spice blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds (optional topping)
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Prep your veggies: Finely dice the onion and carrot, mince the garlic, and chop parsley for garnish. Measure out all spices.
  2. Toast the teff: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add teff and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion and carrot to the pot with teff. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until onion is translucent and carrot is just starting to soften. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Add the spices: Sprinkle in berbere, cardamom, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat and let cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the broth: Pour in vegetable broth, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Simmer: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 18-22 minutes. Check at 15 minutes; if dry, add a splash more broth. Pilaf is done when liquid is absorbed and teff grains are tender but not mushy.
  7. Rest and fluff: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff gently with a fork or spatula.
  8. Finish and garnish: Taste and adjust salt if needed. Stir in chopped parsley. Top with toasted almonds and dried cranberries if desired.
  9. Serve: Spoon into a wide bowl and serve warm.

Notes

Toast teff carefully to avoid burning. Simmer gently and keep the lid on for best texture. Let pilaf rest before fluffing for maximum fluffiness. Adjust spices to taste, and use nut-free toppings if needed. Pilaf reheats well and can be made ahead. For a fluffier texture, use exact broth-to-teff ratio and avoid over-stirring after adding broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: teff pilaf, Ethiopian side dish, gluten-free pilaf, vegan pilaf, Friendsgiving, holiday side, fluffy teff, berbere pilaf, easy pilaf, healthy grain recipe

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fluffy-teff-pilaf-recipe-easy-ethiopian-friendsgiving-side/