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@Trilby This could really be due to using chickpeas that are simply not very good. I find the ones from Trader Joe's and the Goya brands are really good.

There are tons of nice little Ethio markets scattered throughout D.C. and VA and you'll find everything you need. You may even find a little cookbook in one of the shops that will get you on the right path. Best to pick up injera earlier in the day when it's freshest and making it at home will not be the same. Plus, for the hassle - it's easier to just buy imho.

My husband is Ethio and having been in kitchens of Ethio cooks - I will say the food can be labor intensive and be weary of recipes that are all about quick cooking, there are VERY few things that come together fast with Ethio cooking. Good luck!

Cheeto Puffs and Funyuns. Also, I use cream of soups - I KNOW!

Tuna salad, rice salads - check apartment therapy kitchen, they just posted a handful of great recipes that would probably get you far. I know you said you're tired of pasta salad but how about soba noodle salad with peanut dressing? Thai green (or red) curry with veggies and sliced meat (if you're on a meat day) reheats beautifully.

Nthing that rotisserie chicken thing. I eat it once as is, the next day I break it down for enchiladas or quesadillas and then it becomes bones for stock.

Chickpeas are amazing too (bittman just did something on them that looked YUMMY and check orangette.blogspot.com) - and they taste good warm.

I'd say also - look into Indian food. I know cost is an issue but you can get good, low cost spices from penzeys.com and once you have them, they last a good while. I say Indian because it seems to me to be not that fussy. Chana masala, dahl - all of those things are low cost and delicious.

Good luck!