Can I make Genfo gluten-free?

While traditional Genfo uses wheat, you could experiment with gluten-free flours like teff flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend, though the texture and cooking time may vary.

What if my Genfo is lumpy?

The key to smooth Genfo is slow addition of flour and continuous, vigorous stirring. If you find lumps, try pressing them against the side of the pot with your spoon to break them down, or use a whisk.

Can I prepare the berbere oil ahead of time?

Yes, you can melt the niter kibbeh and mix it with berbere a few hours in advance and store it at room temperature. Reheat gently before serving.

What do I serve with Genfo?

Genfo is traditionally eaten by dipping a spoonful scoop into the spicy mix liquid in the center. It's a complete meal on its own!

Genfo Recipe: How To Make Ethiopian Porridge

Genfo Recipe: How to Make Ethiopian Porridge

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Genfo, which is porridge in Amharic, is a well-known comfort dish and breakfast food, traditionally enjoyed by recovering new mothers. In Ethiopia, it can be made using wheat, barley, or maize, enriched with berbere and niter kibbeh. For this recipe, we will keep it simple and use wheat to make our Genfo.

Author: Sara Bayou
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 servings 1x
Category: Breakfasts
Method: Simmer/Sauté
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (120g) of wheat flour
3 tbsp (45ml/42g) niter kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter)
1 tbsp (7g) berbere
½ tsp (1g) cardamom
2 cups (480ml) water

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Instructions

Start by adding the cardamom to the flour and mix.
Boil the water then start adding the flour mix slowly while reducing the heat, stirring thoroghly so as to avoid any lumps from forming and until the mix moistenes well enough.
Then transfer the Genfo to a mid-sized bowl, and create a hole right in the middle.
Melt the Niter Kibbeh, and mix with the berbere, then pour the mix into the hole you created in the middle of the Genfo.
Finally, pour the spicy liquid into the hole you’ve hollowed out in the Genfo and serve while still hot.

Notes

You can use oil instead of the Nitter Kibbeh if you prefer.
Genfo is eaten by dipping a spoonful scoop into the spicy mix liquid in the center.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 210g
Calories: 200-220 kcal
Sugar: 0.5-1g
Sodium: 150-180mg
Fat: 10-12g
Saturated Fat: 7-8g
Unsaturated Fat: 3-4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22-24g
Fiber: 3-4g
Protein: 4-5g
Cholesterol: 20-25mg

Find it online: https://ethiopianroots.com/genfo-recipe/