Chechebsa is an Ethiopian breakfast meal that is very common in the Oromia region, Ethiopia. The word Chechebsa is an Afan Oromo word that means shredding. That is the meal, sliced flatbread with add-ons. It can be as varied as pancakes and is as easy to make. In this article you will find chechebsa recipe, including vegan and gluten-free options.

• Preparation time: 5 mins
• Cooking time: 15 mins  
• Total time: 20 mins
• Yield: 1 serving

You can double the amount of ingredients for more servings.   

What flour should I use to make chechebsa?

Potentially, you can use any flour type to make chechebsa. The ones listed below are the most commonly used. These are

• Teff flour and
• All-purpose flour

Preparation using brown teff flour (Gluten-Free)

Traditionally most people use brown teff flour to make chechebsa. As long as the flour is whole teff (with no other crops added), it is gluten-free. Mostly the flour used is the brown teff (key teff). It is very rich in iron and, hence, colorful. You can also use white teff, but it doesn’t taste the same. If you, however, want to give it a try, adding mitmita\berbere\paprika is not optional.

Ingredients for teff chechebsa

• 1 cup teff flour
• 1\2 cup water
• 1\2 teaspoon salt
• Two tablespoons kibe (use 4 tablespoons vegetable oil for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon mitmita\berbere\paprika (optional)
• Yogurt for dressing (optional)
• Strawberries for topping (optional)

Preparation using all-purpose flour (Not Gluten-Free)

Making chechebsa using all-purpose flour (Furno Flour) is the modern method and is more popular. You can also use it when teff is not available. The turmeric powder in kibe/ butter is what gives it the yellow color. If you prefer to use oil instead of kibe, add turmeric powder or paprika.

Ingredients for all-purpose chechebsa

• 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour of your choice
• 1\2 cup water
• 1\2 teaspoon salt (or more to your liking)
• One tablespoon oil
• One tablespoon kibe (use two tablespoons vegetable oil for vegan option)
• One teaspoon turmeric powder (if you use oil instead of kibe)
• 1 teaspoon mitmita\berbere\paprika (optional)
• Honey for dressing (optional)

After choosing the type of flour you want to use and preparing the required ingredients, you can proceed to the next step, making the actual food.

Related Topics: Shiro Wot Recipe | An Ethiopian Delicacy

Directions to make chechebsa

Step 1: Make the flatbread

1. Mix the flour of your choice with salt and oil in a bowl.
2. Add water and beat for a few minutes. The dough should be thicker than pancake dough. 
3. Put a pan on the stovetop and bring it to medium-high heat. Grease with a generous amount of oil.
4. Pour the dough into the pan and spread it with a spoon. Let it cook for 4 minutes.
5. Flip it on the other side and give it 3 minutes. It should start to brown.
6. Cool the flatbread for a minute and tear it into small pieces.

The shredded flatbread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Step 2: Make the chechebsa

1. Add the kibe (oil) to a pan and heat it. If you use kibe, you should not bring it to a boil.
2. Add mitmita\berbere\paprika\turmeric powder and mix. (optional)
3. Add the pieces of flatbread and stir for 1 minute.
4. Dress it with yogurt (for teff) or honey (for an all-purpose floor). You can top it with fruits for a more balanced diet. And there, you have a bowl of delicious chechebsa; serve it hot.   

Did you enjoy making Chechebsa? Which ingredients did you use? Please let us know in the comment section.  

If you need a video guide on Chechebsa recipe, see the video below.

Other Ethiopian Traditional Food Recipes

• Injera – Ethiopian Flat Bread | Recipe & How to Eat
• Doro Wot Recipe | Ingredient & Preparation
• Shiro Wot Recipe | An Ethiopian Delicacy
• Quanta Firfir (ቋንጣ ፍርፍር) Recipe | Ingredient & Preparation