Genfo (Ethiopian Porridge)

Name: Genfo (Ethiopian Porridge)
Ingredients: 1 cup roasted barley flour; 2 cups water; ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste; 2 tablespoons niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter), regular butter, or oil; Honey or sugar, to taste; Mitmita spice or berbere spice (optional, for added heat and flavor); Fresh nigella seeds or cinnamon (optional, for garnish)

Genfo is a comforting and nutritious Ethiopian porridge made with roasted barley flour and often enjoyed as a breakfast or as a filling meal.

Ingredients

1 cup roasted barley flour
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter), regular butter, or oil
Honey or sugar, to taste
Mitmita spice or berbere spice (optional, for added heat and flavor)
Fresh nigella seeds or cinnamon (optional, for garnish)

Steps

In a medium-sized pot, whisk together the roasted barley flour and water until smooth and well combined.
Place the pot over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and reaches a porridge-like consistency. This usually takes about 10–15 minutes. Keep stirring the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.
Add the salt and continue to stir until well incorporated.
Stir in the niter kibbeh, and mix well.
Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
Serve the genfo hot in bowls. Drizzle honey or sprinkle sugar over the porridge to sweeten it according to your taste. Optionally, sprinkle mitmita or berbere spice over the genfo for added heat and flavor. Garnish with nigella seeds or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

More recipes with barley, niter kibbeh, butter or honey

Adapted from “Genfo (Ethiopian Porridge)” in the Wikibooks Cookbook by its contributors, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Reformatted for this site; this page's recipe text is shared under the same license.