Genfo
ethiopianporridgesorghumveganbreakfaststovetop

Genfo

Genfo made with sorghum is warm, smooth, and deeply comforting, with a gentle earthiness from the grain. In this sweet version, honey, ginger, and cardamom add floral sweetness and fragrant heat, making it especially soothing for breakfast or a light supper.

20 min
2 servings
274 kcal
Ethiopian

Ingredients

Porridge base

  • 120 gsorghum flour
  • 600 mlwater
  • 2 gfine salt

Sweet spice finish

  • 30 ghoney
  • 8 gfresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 gground cardamom

Instructions

  1. 1

    Measure all ingredients. Finely grate the ginger so it melts evenly into the hot porridge without leaving fibrous bits.

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, whisk the sorghum flour with 200 ml of the water until completely smooth and lump-free. Starting with part of the water makes it much easier to avoid lumps later.

  3. 3

    Whisk in the remaining 400 ml water and the fine salt. Set the pan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to steam and thicken, about 4 to 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Lower the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, switching to a wooden spoon once the porridge thickens. Stir regularly, scraping the bottom and corners of the pan to prevent scorching. The genfo is ready when it is glossy, thick, and no raw flour taste remains.

  5. 5

    Stir in the grated ginger and ground cardamom, and cook for 1 minute more to bloom the spice and soften the ginger.

  6. 6

    Divide the hot porridge between 2 bowls. Drizzle the honey over the top and serve immediately. For a more traditional presentation, make a small well in the center before adding the sweet finish.

Nutrition per serving

274 kcal
Calories
4g
Protein
59g
Carbs
1g
Fat
4g
Fiber

Notes

Background

Genfo is a traditional Ethiopian porridge, often prepared as a sustaining breakfast or comfort food. It is commonly made from barley or wheat in different regions, but sorghum is also widely used, especially where it is a local staple grain. Sweetened and spiced versions are simple, hearty preparations that reflect the everyday grain cookery of Ethiopia.

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