ROASTED CORN TEFF CORNBREAD

Teff, the world's smallest grain, has nourished communities in Ethiopia and Eritrea for generations. Blended with cornmeal and accented with roasted corn, sweet peppers, jalapeño, and smoked paprika, it brings rich, earthy flavor and dietary diversity to this skillet cornbread. Baked until golden, it's hearty, colorful, and made for sharing.

Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup cornmeal
¾ cup teff flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
1 cup full-fat yogurt (dairy or dairy-free)
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted (dairy or dairy-free), plus more for buttering the skillet
1 ear corn, husk removed
4-5 small sweet peppers, sliced into thin rounds, seeds removed
1 jalapeño pepper (more or less depending on your heat preference), sliced into thin rounds, seeds removed
3 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, shredded, optional

Directions:

  1. Set the corn on the burner of a gas stove on low, on a grill, or under the broiler, rotating until about half of the kernels start to brown on all sides. Allow to cool then cut the corn off the cob and set aside.

  2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and place a 9 or 10-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat while you make the batter.

  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, teff flour, baking powder, salt, and smoked paprika. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, egg, butter, and 1/2 cup of water. 

  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix to combine, then stir in most of the corn and peppers (reserving the rest for placing on top), and the cheese if you are using.

  5. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and put a pat of butter in the skillet. Tilt it so the butter coats the bottom and sides. Transfer the batter into the prepared skillet then top with the remaining peppers and corn.

  6. Bake until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 - 35 minutes. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.