Ga'at (Ethiopian Breakfast Porridge)
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
Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
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
- 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
Store leftover ga'at and dipping sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
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.
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