Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Buna
A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, known as Buna, is a cherished social and spiritual ritual involving the roasting, grinding, and brewing of coffee beans in a special clay pot called a jebena. It is an integral part of daily life and hospitality.
🧂 Ingredients
- 100g (approximately 1/2 cup) Green coffee beans (high quality, unroasted)(Choose whole, unroasted beans for the best aroma and flavor development.)
- 3 cups (700ml) Water(Fresh, cold water is recommended.)
- to taste Sugar(Traditionally added during brewing. Amount varies greatly by preference.)
- 1-2 small pieces Frankincense or other aromatic resin (e.g., myrrh)(Optional, but highly traditional for scenting the air. Ensure it's food-grade if possible.)
- 1 teaspoon Butter (optional)(Some regions add a small amount of butter to the coffee grounds for richness.)
- Pinch Salt (optional)(A small pinch of salt is sometimes added, particularly in certain regions, to enhance the coffee's flavor.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Aroma: If using frankincense, place the small pieces in a small charcoal burner or a heat-safe dish. Light the charcoal or heat source and allow the frankincense to begin smoldering, releasing its fragrant smoke. This sets the ambiance for the ceremony. Ensure good ventilation.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Roast the Coffee Beans: Place the green coffee beans in a flat-bottomed pan or a traditional roasting pan (like a 'mitad'). Heat the pan over medium-high heat (or over hot charcoal). Continuously stir and shake the pan to ensure even roasting. Roast until the beans turn a deep, rich brown and emit a strong, nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them. The beans will start to pop and crackle as they roast.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 3
Cool and Share Aroma: Remove the roasted beans from the heat and spread them on a plate or tray to cool slightly. Once cooled enough to handle, pass the plate around to guests. Encourage them to inhale the fragrant aroma of the freshly roasted coffee – a crucial part of the experience.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 4
Grind the Coffee: Using a mortar and pestle (or a coffee grinder on a coarse setting), grind the roasted coffee beans into a coarse powder. The texture should be similar to coarse sand.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 5
Brew the Coffee: Fill the jebena (traditional clay coffee pot) about two-thirds full with cold water. Add the ground coffee – typically 1-2 tablespoons per cup of water, depending on desired strength. If using, add sugar, butter, or salt at this stage. Stir gently. Place the jebena directly over medium heat (or hot charcoal).
- 6
Boil and Brew: Bring the coffee mixture in the jebena to a rolling boil. As soon as it boils, remove it from the heat to prevent overflow. Stir gently. Return the jebena to the heat and bring it to a boil a second time. Remove from heat. Repeat this boiling process one more time for a total of three boils. This process extracts the full flavor.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 7
Settle and Serve: Allow the coffee to rest for a minute or two after the final boil so that the grounds settle at the bottom of the jebena. Carefully pour the coffee into small, handleless cups (sini) from a height, ensuring not to disturb the grounds. The first pour is called 'Abol', the second 'Tona', and the third 'Baraka' (the blessing).
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The coffee ceremony is traditionally performed by women.
- ✓The three rounds of coffee (Abol, Tona, Baraka) are customary. Each subsequent brew is weaker.
- ✓Frankincense is not just for aroma; it's believed to purify the air and enhance the spiritual aspect of the ceremony.
- ✓Adjust the amount of coffee grounds and sugar to your personal preference.
- ✓Ensure the jebena is clean and free of any residual flavors before brewing.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- In some regions, a small amount of butter is added to the coffee grounds for a richer flavor.
- A pinch of salt is sometimes added, particularly in the Tigray region, to balance the bitterness.
- Spices like cardamom can be added during brewing for an extra layer of flavor, though this is less traditional for Buna.