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Bula Genfo Recipe: How to Make Ethiopian False Banana Root Porridge

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Bula is made from the roots of the Enset tree, also known as the false banana tree. Enset is one of the most important food sources in Ethiopia. Bula powder can be used to make stiff porridge-like dishes like Bula Genfo, or consumed as a hot beverage like Atmit.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 120g) false banana roots flour (powder)
  • 3.5 oz (100g) sweet butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) milk
  • Salt (to taste)

Instructions

False Banana Roots Flour Preparation

  1. In a container, mix 1 cup of water and 1 1/4 cups of milk.
  2. In another container, mix the false banana roots flour with 1/4 cup of the water from the prepared liquid mixture. Create a smooth paste.

Cooking

  1. Place a heavy pot on medium-high heat.
  2. Add the prepared flour mixture to the pot.
  3. Add 30 grams (about 2 tablespoons) of sweet butter to the pot.
  4. Stir the mixture continually to avoid lumps.
  5. When the mixture thickens, fold it several times with a spoon.
  6. When the banana roots powder turns into a dough-like consistency, create a hole at the center. Add 1/4 cup of the milk and water mixture.
  7. Add 33 grams (about 2 tablespoons) of sweet butter.
  8. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
  9. When the milk and water mixture is half absorbed, fold the dough several times.
  10. Make a ball with the Bula Genfo and create a hole at the center.
  11. Add another 1/4 cup of the milk and water mixture and the remaining sweet butter.
  12. Cover with the lid and bring the milk and water to a low boil (bubbling).
  13. Remove the lid and fold the Bula Genfo several times.
  14. Add salt to taste.
  15. Remove from heat and serve the Bula Genfo.

Nutrition