BreakfastMain Course

Ga'at (Ethiopian Breakfast Porridge)

Name: Ga'at (Ethiopian Breakfast Porridge)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: ethiopian
Ingredients: 3.5 cup water; 0.5 tsp salt; 2 cup barley flour; 0.25 cup vegetable oil; 2 tbsp berbere spice blend; 1 clove garlic minced

Ga'at is a traditional Ethiopian breakfast porridge, known for its thick, stiff texture. It's typically served with a flavorful, spicy dipping sauce. This vegan version uses a spiced oil blend for dipping.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 40 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 348 kcal

VeganVegetarian

Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

porridge

3.5 cupwater
0.5 tspsalt
2 cupbarley flour

dipping sauce

0.25 cupvegetable oil
2 tbspberbere spice blend
1 clovegarlic, minced

Equipment

large pot · wooden spoon · small saucepan · whisk · serving platter

The method

Step by step

1
Bring the water and salt to a boil in a large pot over high heat.
About 5 min
2
Gradually add the barley flour to the boiling water, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent lumps.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Adding the flour slowly helps create a smooth porridge.
3
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the porridge is very thick and stiff.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: The porridge should be firm enough to hold its shape.
4
While the porridge simmers, prepare the dipping sauce: heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
About 1 min
5
Add the berbere spice blend and minced garlic to the hot oil and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the spices or garlic.
6
Remove the spiced oil from the heat.
7
Once the porridge is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter or individual bowls, shaping it into a mound with a well in the center using the back of a spoon.
About 2 min
8
Pour the spiced oil into the well of the porridge.
Cook’s note: Serve immediately and enjoy by scooping the porridge with a piece of flatbread or a spoon, dipping it into the spiced oil.

Per serving

Nutrition

74%Score

Calories: 347.8kcal
Protein: 6.8g
Carbs: 42.9g
Fat: 15.6g
Fibre: 7.1g
Sugar: 0.9g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover ga'at and dipping sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat ga'at gently in a microwave with a splash of water, stirring until warmed through. Reheat sauce in a small pan over low heat.