Breakfast · Brunch · African ·

Fluffy Ethiopian Genfo with Spiced Butter and Berbere

Name: Fluffy Ethiopian Genfo with Spiced Butter and Berbere
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Breakfast
Ingredients: Wheat flour, 2 cups; Water, 4 cups; Salt, 1 teaspoon; Unsalted butter, 1 cup; Minced garlic, 1 tablespoon; Ground ginger, 1 teaspoon; Fenugreek seeds, 1 teaspoon; Ground cumin, 1 tablespoon; Turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon; Paprika, 1/2 cup; Cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon; Ground ginger, 1 tablespoon; Ground coriander, 1 teaspoon; Ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon; Nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon; Sea salt, 1 teaspoon

Genfo is a rich, wheat-based Ethiopian porridge, perfectly enhanced with spiced butter and a sprinkle of berbere. This comforting dish is a staple in Ethiopian households, often enjoyed for a nourishi

5(252 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 10, 2026

Fluffy Ethiopian Genfo with Spiced Butter and Berbere — Breakfast served and photographed from above

Prep

20 min

Cook

1 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Genfo

For the Spiced Butter

For the Berbere

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 697 kcal
Protein: 9.1 g
Carbs: 58 g
Fat: 48.7 g
Fiber: 6.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2788 kcal
Protein: 36.5 g
Carbs: 231.5 g
Fat: 194.8 g
Fiber: 26 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Wheat flour 2 cups	910	26	190	2	8
Water 4 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Salt 1 teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0
Unsalted butter 1 cup	1628	1	0	184	0
Minced garlic 1 tablespoon	13	0.6	3	0	0.2
Ground ginger 1 teaspoon	6	0.1	1	0.1	0.2
Fenugreek seeds 1 teaspoon	12	0.8	2	0.3	0.8
Ground cumin 1 tablespoon	22	1	3	1	1
Turmeric powder 1 teaspoon	8	0.3	1.5	0.2	0.5
Paprika 1/2 cup	110	5	21	5	12
Cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon	17	0.8	3	1	1.4
Ground ginger 1 tablespoon	19	0.4	4	0.2	0.8
Ground coriander 1 teaspoon	5	0.2	1	0.2	0.3
Ground cardamom 1 teaspoon	6	0.2	1	0.2	0.3
Nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon	6	0.1	1	0.6	0.5
Sea salt 1 teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0

Nutrition estimates are approximate and not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Genfo

1
Boil water and add salt
In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add salt.
Tip: Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
2
Add wheat flour
Gradually add the wheat flour, stirring continuously to form a thick, smooth, dough-like consistency.
3
Simmer and rest
Reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover and let rest for the flavors to meld.

Preparing the Spiced Butter

1
Melt the butter
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
Tip: Avoid high heat when melting the butter to prevent burning the spices.
2
Infuse spices
Add garlic, ginger, fenugreek seeds, ground cumin, and turmeric, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Tip: Toast the fenugreek seeds lightly beforehand to enhance their flavor.
3
Strain and set aside
Strain the spiced butter to remove solids and set aside in a warm spot.

How to Make Fluffy Ethiopian Genfo with Spiced Butter and Berbere

Total time: 1 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Genfo Formation
Continue stirring to achieve a firm, smooth consistency.
2
Butter Infusion
Allow the spiced butter to meld and cool slightly before use.
3
Berbere Blend
Mix all the berbere ingredients in a small bowl and combine thoroughly.