Drinks
Buna (Djiboutian-Style Ceremonial Coffee)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 40 g Whole coffee beans
- 500 ml Water
- 1g Ground cardamom
- 20 g Sugar, to taste
Method
- Roast the coffee beans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until deeply fragrant and dark brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Allow the beans to cool slightly, then grind coarsely using a mortar and pestle or grinder.
- Bring the water to a boil in a jebena pot or small saucepan.
- Add the ground coffee and cardamom, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 5-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the grounds settle for a minute or two.
- Pour slowly and carefully into small cups, leaving the grounds behind, and sweeten with sugar to taste.
Introduction: Coffee holds deep cultural significance in Djibouti, closely tied to the Ethiopian coffee ceremony tradition shared across the region.
Cultural Background: Coffee holds deep cultural significance in Djibouti, closely tied to the Ethiopian coffee ceremony tradition shared across the region. Freshly roasted beans are ground and brewed in a traditional jebena pot, often accompanied by burning incense, as a ritual of hospitality and connection.
Tips: Pour slowly and steadily from a height, which is traditional and also helps keep the settled grounds out of the cups.
Variations: Some households add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves alongside the cardamom for extra warmth. Already vegan as written.
Storage: Best served immediately; freshly roasted grounds should be used the same day for the fullest flavour.
Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, taking care not to bring back to a full boil, which can turn the coffee bitter.
Nutrition: Per serving: approx. 25 kcal, 0g protein, 5g carbohydrate, 0g fat, 0g fibre.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a jebena to make this?
A: A jebena is traditional, but any small saucepan works fine for brewing at home.
Q: How strong is buna compared to espresso?
A: It’s brewed strong and slow-simmered, giving a bold, full-bodied cup closer to Turkish coffee than espresso in intensity.
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