Ethiopian cuisine is unique to say the least. My friend Kelly (who is traveling with me to Ethiopia) and I have recently decided to try Ethiopian food here in the states before heading to Ethiopia. Needless to say neither one of us is thrilled about the possibility of eating sheep’s esophagus!!! Yes that right I said sheep’s esophagus!
One very different characteristic of Ethiopian dining is the lack of utensils. Instead of forks, knives, or spoons, Ethiopians use what’s called injera which is defined as “a yeast-risen flat bread with a unique, slightly spongy texture.” It’s kind of like a thin pancake.
Injera is served on the side. Food is served on one big platter and is meant to be shared by a small group. I hope Kelly and I are considered a small group, I don’t think we want to share with strangers. It is also known in the Ethiopian culture that one might feed a stranger as a sign of respect. Well I am pretty sure that I am fine with NOT being shown any respect while eating. Several colorful entrees sit on top of the platter. The platter is lined with a layer of injera as well.
To start, you tear off a piece of the injera bread and use it to pick up a piece of food - traditionally, you eat with your right hand only. The left hand is known as the hand you clean yourself with and therefore it is considered “dirty”. Sorry for all you left handed peeps out there! Once you have the desired amount of food, you pop the whole thing in your mouth. When all the piles of food have been consumed, eat the underlying injera which absorbs all of the juices - this is usually considered the best part of the meal.
One very different characteristic of Ethiopian dining is the lack of utensils. Instead of forks, knives, or spoons, Ethiopians use what’s called injera which is defined as “a yeast-risen flat bread with a unique, slightly spongy texture.” It’s kind of like a thin pancake.
Injera is served on the side. Food is served on one big platter and is meant to be shared by a small group. I hope Kelly and I are considered a small group, I don’t think we want to share with strangers. It is also known in the Ethiopian culture that one might feed a stranger as a sign of respect. Well I am pretty sure that I am fine with NOT being shown any respect while eating. Several colorful entrees sit on top of the platter. The platter is lined with a layer of injera as well.
To start, you tear off a piece of the injera bread and use it to pick up a piece of food - traditionally, you eat with your right hand only. The left hand is known as the hand you clean yourself with and therefore it is considered “dirty”. Sorry for all you left handed peeps out there! Once you have the desired amount of food, you pop the whole thing in your mouth. When all the piles of food have been consumed, eat the underlying injera which absorbs all of the juices - this is usually considered the best part of the meal.
This might be the perfect diet plan. Go to Ethiopia for a week and don’t eat. Kelly it looks like we might be eating ramen noodle for a week.
more later
jessica
