How to make Ethiopian tea
Ethiopia is one of the many countries around the world that value hospitality. When people visit our home, we show our love by creating a comfortable and welcoming space for them. Typically, this involves feeding them, brewing some coffee, and providing a safe environment to share the neighborhood gossip. I know we don’t have all day to sit around and sip coffee. But are we even Ethiopian if we don’t partake in a very simple two-to three-hour coffee ceremony every day?
Pictures by Alyssa Luzaich.
Alright alright, like many of you, my schedule doesn’t allow for a daily elaborate coffee ceremony. Instead, I have improvised and started my own version of Ethiopian Tea social hour. After all, Ethiopian tea is as good as the coffee. It’s quick, easy, and hospitable. When I want to make an excuse to hold gatherings and discuss the latest gossip, I make a big pot of tea using my Ethiopian spices and serve it with a side of my favorite Bundt cake.
Pictures by Alyssa Luzaich.
For the tea, you will need the following for two people:
A tea pot
2 Cups of Water
1 Cinnamon stick
2 Cardamom pods
2 Whole cloves
2 Black tea
Sugar or honey
Depending on the number of your guests, adjust the amount of ingredients. Bring water to a boil and add all cinnamon stick, cardamom, cloves. Let it sit for 3 minutes and add tea bags. Pour into cups through a fine sieve lined and add sugar for the classic Ethiopian tea taste but honey will do too. Enjoy while hot. You will have leftover spice tea to store and reuse a couple of time.
Though our lifestyle might not allow us to have a designated social coffee hour, it’s very important we make an effort to keep our traditions alive and check in with one another. Whether it’s over coffee, tea, or a glass of wine, the bonds of loyalty and friendship, and even our Ethiopian culture, are celebrated through the ritual of sharing food.
Pictures by Alyssa Luzaich
