Spiced Bunna Recipe: How To Make Ethiopian-Style Spiced Coffee

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This warming beverage combines freshly roasted Ethiopian coffee beans with aromatic spices for a truly authentic coffee experience that goes beyond your regular morning brew.

Key Information

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 7 servings
Serving size: 240g
Diet: Vegan
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Category: Drinks

Ingredient Highlights

Ethiopian coffee beans: Known for their complex, wine-like flavor profile with subtle floral notes.
Whole cloves: Add a deep, warming spice that perfectly complements the coffee’s natural brightness.
For those unable to source Ethiopian beans, Yirgacheffe or Sidamo varieties are excellent choices.
See the full ingredient list in the recipe card below.

Equipment Needed

Coffee roasting pan or heavy-bottomed skillet
Coffee grinder
Spice grinder (or mortar and pestle)
Traditional Ethiopian coffee pot (jebena) or standard coffee pot
Sini (Ethiopian coffee cups) or small espresso cups

Step-by-Step Overview

The magic begins with fresh-roasting your coffee beans until they reach a perfect golden-brown color, releasing their essential oils and aromas.
After grinding both coffee and spices, they’re combined in boiling water to create a beautifully fragrant brew.
The key is watching the roasting process carefully – the beans should never become too dark or burnt.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While Bunna is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftover brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until just hot, being careful not to overheat which can create bitterness.

Variations & Substitutions

Try adding a cardamom pod for an aromatic twist, or incorporate a touch of ginger for extra warmth. Pre-ground coffee can be used in a pinch, though fresh-roasted beans provide the most authentic experience.

FAQs

Can I make this in a regular coffee maker?

No, traditional brewing method is essential for authentic taste.

How fine should I grind the coffee?

Similar to espresso grind.

Can I use pre-ground spices?

Yes, but whole spices provide better flavor.

Cultural Significance:

Bunna holds deep cultural significance in Ethiopia, where the coffee ceremony is a daily ritual of hospitality and community. The tradition of adding spices dates back centuries and varies by region and family custom.

Spiced Bunna Recipe: How to Make Ethiopian-Style Spiced Coffee

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5 from 3 reviews

Coffee is referred to as Bunna in Amharic, and if you enjoy drinking it, you are probably already aware that Ethiopia is where coffee first originated. Ethiopian coffee, Bunna is renowned for its flavor, satisfaction, and aroma around the world.

Author: Sara Bayou
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 7 servings 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: Brew/Simmer
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (120g) of Ethiopian coffee beans
1 teaspoon (2g) of whole cloves
0.25 teaspoon (0.5g) of cinnamon
7 cups (1.68 liters) of water

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Instructions

In a heated frying pan, roast your choice of Ethiopian coffee beans until they are golden brown.
Add the roasted coffee beans into a coffee grinder.
Next grind the cinnamon and cloves into a fine powder.
Then bring the water to a boil before adding the ground coffee, as well as cinnamon and cloves. Then continue boiling for about 5 min.
Serve your spiced coffee hot, preferably using Sini, which are tiny Ethiopian coffee cups.

Notes

If you don’t have the time or if you simply prefer not to roast and grind your own coffee, you can simply buy a roasted and ground Ethiopian coffee, and use it instead.