I don’t mind the smoke
as it billows through my hair
Miriam pours the teff mixture
in concentric circles
around and around
as my head follows her hand
Then she flips the cooked injera
over- ever so briefly
and I sit with her as we both dip
into the spicy wot
…..a mouthwatering
Ethiopian memory from my
‘little me’ days
©Vivian Zems
Real Toads– Let’s Eat!
I grew up in Ethiopia and used to steal away on Sunday afternoons to our chauffeur’s house ( at the bottom of our garden) where his wife, Miriam, would cook Injera…to be had with wot (stew)…hence the name,’ injera be wot’. I really wasn’t allowed, but loved to join her, as she helped me improve my Amharic vocabulary. I’ve left the language behind now, but still remember this amazing dish.
August 25, 2018 at 10:27 pm
Oh my that food looks good. I had Ethiopian food in DC several times. Good stuff. I can see how this stolen pleasure would hold such a memory for you. I loved the injera. I have tried making it at home but never the same.
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August 26, 2018 at 5:26 pm
It’s impossible to replicate this delicacy at home! Thank you 😊
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August 26, 2018 at 9:46 pm
Yes it is. Very hard. and the wots…oh my. That spice mixture that is such a brilliant color, I can’t think of the name of it But it is a wonderful seasoning.
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August 27, 2018 at 4:20 pm
The red spice would most likely be berberi- a chilli mix. Thank you 😊
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August 26, 2018 at 10:38 am
Oh, yum! Beautiful memories.
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August 26, 2018 at 5:25 pm
Thank you 😊
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August 26, 2018 at 7:24 pm
Something to treasure, Viv, that down home food, and I love the Amharic word for stew – wot! It looks and sounds cockney. 🙂 I also enjoyed your anecdotal explanation (you had a chauffeur?!).
Please, don’t leave the language behind! Keep it safe in your heart, mind and soul!
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August 27, 2018 at 4:18 pm
Thanks Kim😀. I’ve forgotten the language and haven’t met many Ethiopians here in the Uk. Re: chauffeur- my dad was an Ambassador- so a few perks there😄
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August 27, 2018 at 5:32 pm
😊
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August 29, 2018 at 5:25 am
fascinating. I think I’d serve the platter differently – little bowls with the bread or chips or whatever on the side – and the peppers probably wouldn’t grace the plate 🙂 I sent this You Tube channel to two of my daughters who mostly don’t eat meat – and subscribed myself.
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August 30, 2018 at 12:16 am
Love that you shared this precious memory from childhood!
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September 2, 2018 at 5:15 pm
Thanks Helen!
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