Firfir or Fitfit is a probably the most common of the Ethiopian breakfasts. It is made from shredded injera or Kita stir-fried with spices or Wot. Another popular Ethiopian breakfast dish is Fatira. The delicacy consists of a large fried pancake made with flour, often with a layer of egg. It is eaten with honey. Chechebsa (or Kita Firfir) resembles a pancake covered with berbere and Niter Kibbeh, or other spices, and may be eaten with a spoon. Genfo is a kind of porridge, which is another common breakfast dish. It is usually served in a large bowl with a dug-out made in the middle of the Genfo and filled with spiced niter kibbeh. A variation of Fuul, a fava bean stew with condiments, served with baked rolls instead of injera, is also common for breakfast. Ethiopian Breakfasts #1: Chechebsa Also known as Kita Firfir, Chechebsa is one the most common and popular breakfast dishes in Ethiopia. It is made out of sliced shreds of Kita, which is similar to India’s pita bread, and marinated with berbere. In more traditional households, it is commonly served with a side of honey and a bowl of plain yogurt. You can find the recipe for Chechebsa here. Ethiopian Breakfasts #2: Kinche Kinche is a very common Ethiopian breakfast, and it’s the equivalent of oatmeal. It is incredibly […]

As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopians have been drinking coffee (or Buna as it is known in the official language of the country – Amharic) for centuries. It is no wonder then, that they have developed a unique and very social coffee ceremony that is truly Ethiopian. In this short article, we will learn a little about the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony as it is practiced in the country everyday. The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony The whole process of the preparation and serving of Buna in Ethiopia is a unique and elaborate social affair. A typical traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony will take up to half an hour and starts with roasting of raw green coffee beans right in front of the guests by a host who is always a woman. In most homes, a dedicated coffee area is kept surrounded by fresh-picked grass and specialized traditional coffee furniture specifically for this occasion. Most households, both in cities and rural areas take the Ethiopian coffee ceremony very seriously and setting up a dedicated place for the occasion is of paramount importance. When the beans are roasted, the host will bring the pan around to all the guests so that they can enjoy the aroma. […]

A typical Ethiopian snack, is Dabo Kolo (small pieces of baked bread that are similar to pretzels) or Kolo (roasted barley sometimes mixed with other local grains). Kolo made from roasted and spiced barley, safflower kernels, chickpeas and/or peanuts are often sold by kiosks and street vendors, wrapped in a paper cone. Snacking on popcorn is also common, especially during Buna-time. Ethiopian Snack #1: Kolo Image Source Kolo is simply roasted barley, and it is Ethiopia’s go-to snack for everybody including children and adults. It is also a favorite beer snack at the end of a busy day, and it’s often served mixed with peanuts and other seeds or nuts. You can find the recipe to make Kolo here. Ethiopian Snack #2: Dabo Kolo Image Source Dabo kolo as its name may imply is not actually bread, but it is made from the same dough that makes Dabo. It’s made by preparing the dough just as you would for a bread, then roll it into long strands that are then cut into small pieces the size of a fingernail, thus the name Dabo Kolo. Then they can be fried in oil or baked over a Mitad. To make them spicy, you can douse the dough with berbere before its cut into small […]

Whether you are vegetarian or a meat lover, the best place to begin with Ethiopian food is to order Mixed Platter Dishes at an Ethiopian Restaurant near you – meat, vegetarian, or both – so that you can sample a variety of stews (Wots) and dishes at one sitting. Although the mounds delivered to your table may individually appear small, collectively the portions are often staggeringly large. We recommend sharing a plate with others so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Although some dishes may appear regularly in mixed platters, the ones that comprise yours will likely be based on whatever happens to be cooked fresh that day. Always a tasty surprise! Mixed Platter Dishes #1: Beyainatu Image Source One of the most popular dishes in Ethiopia, especially among vegetarians, the word ‘Beyainetu’ roughly translates to “a bit of everything”. And true to its name, the dish comes with a layer of injera on a large serving platter with several tasty and colorful vegetarian dishes on top, including several types of lentil and split pea stews (e.g., Shiro Wot, Misir Wot, Alecha Kik or Mesir Kik) along with Kale (Gomen), Cabbage (Tilkil Gomon), etc. The dish is also very popular in Ethiopia, where for religious […]

Ethiopian Side-Dishes #1: Ayibe Image Source Ayibe is a cottage cheese, a fresh cheese curd product that is not aged, and is made by draining the cheese, as opposed to pressing it – retaining some of the whey (liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained), keeping the curds loose. It is often served as a side dish to soften the effect of very spicy food. It has little to no distinct taste of its own. However, when served separately, Ayibe is often mixed with a variety of mild or hot spices typical in Ethiopian cuisine. Ethiopian Side-Dishes #2: Gomen Kitfo Image Source Gomen Kitfo is another common dish in parts of Southern Ethiopia, where kale (or collard greens) are boiled, dried and then finely chopped and served with butter, chili and spices. It is a dish specially prepared for the occasion of Meskel, a very popular holiday marking the discovery of the True Cross. It is served along with Ayibe or sometimes even Kitfo. Ethiopian Side-Dishes #3: Gomen Besiga Gomen Besiga is beef or lamb simmered in copious amounts of Niter Kibbeh with collard greens and other vegetables like carrots, cabbage and onions. You can find the recipe for Gomen Besiga here. SOURCES https://migrationology.com/ethiopian-food-guide/https://uncorneredmarket.com/ethiopian-food/

Like all comfort foods, Ethiopian comfort foods are special types foods that are characterized by their high caloric nature, high carbohydrate level, or simple preparation methods. Moreover, they are also known to provide a nostalgic or sentimental value to a specific individual or culture. Ethiopian Comfort Foods #1: Genfo Image Source Genfo is a simple Ethiopian porridge that is commonly consumed for breakfast, made by adding dry-roasted barley flour to boiling water and stirring the concoction with a wooden utensil until it develops a smooth, yet extremely thick consistency. The porridge is then transferred to a bowl, and a hole is created in the center, which is then filled with clarified spiced butter and berbere spices. Genfo is traditionally consumed as it is, although it can be accompanied by a scoop of yogurt. You can find the recipe for Genfo here. Ethiopian Comfort Foods #2: Kikil Image Source Kikil is a mild stew with potatoes and lamb that is slowly cooked to get all the flavors from the bones. It is a great meal to use as a substitute for chicken soup offered to those feeling under the weather. Make sure the meat is nice and tender before it is served, that qualifies it as a perfect Kikil. […]