Tiny Tough Teff

Often times, I choose foods that compliment my current lifestyle and nutritional needs. Today I chose ancient grain teff with a side of pumpkin, pears and plums!

Proudly featuring their countries of origin and boasting their nutritional make up, they stopped me in my tracks. Ancient Grains! Instead of comparing and evaluating all of the nutritional facts like I might often do, I picked the ones that I felt lead to. A purely subjective move. This one looks tiny, rich and cool. Ooh Africa, I’m sure I have roots there. European I love the flavors of their cuisine and so on. 

In the past, I had steered away from most grains when I realized the effects of significantly reducing my intake of them. I knew about these grains but did not even give these tiny yet hardy foods a chance. 

Now I am breathing a fresh breath into my health regimen. 

Starting small, I chose one out of the four to prepare.  Literally the smallest grain. 

Tiny Tough Teff! Teff is an ancient grain deriving from Africa. It packs protein and minerals and may be commonly known as a fermented flat bread that accompanies many East African cuisines. 

One of the solutions to my current health journey is breakfast. So porridge it is. 

I had a specific goal in mind, but the time I was spending crafting and creating the perfect moment and recipe distracted me from just simply nourishing myself.

So I dove into a local corner store, had an idea of what to buy, but I selected what was there with the money I had. Nothing was organic, my herbs weren’t there, and my star ingredient cease to exist. So pivot, and I chose what they had. What I ended up with was sweet potato, pears, plums and mint. 

Oven on and roast the potatoes and pears while I got a few chores done.

I boiled my water with a cinnamon stick and washed the dishes. When the warming aroma filled my home it was time to add the Teff. 

This grain made me slow down.

It needs to be continuously stirred to achieve a smooth consistency. So as much as I wanted to do other chores, this grain made me stay awhile. 

I added some coconut milk and spices, sliced my roasted pears and sweet potatoes. Then added fresh plums and mint on top. 

After composing this nourishing meal I took a beautiful photo to share with you and then reality hit. I had to move forward with my day, and all the ingredients got thrown into a cup. Food on the move!

So try teff, try to slow down, try to allow what you have to help you to where you are trying to go.

Stay Inspired,

Erica