Fendisha
Sweet or salted popcorn
Fendisha (ፈንዲሻ): popcorn, lightly sweetened or salted, served beside the cups at an Ethiopian coffee ceremony
Popcorn might seem an odd companion to coffee, but at an Ethiopian buna ceremony a heaped tray of fendisha is as expected as the incense and the little cups. The hostess pops it while the coffee boils, and it is eaten in small handfuls between the three rounds of coffee. Some families like it plain with a pinch of salt, others scatter sugar over it while it is still hot so it catches in the crevices; both are made here. It is crisp, light and best within an hour or two. Whole popcorn is a choking risk for children under five, so serve them something else. Chef's tip: leave the lid slightly ajar while it pops so the steam escapes; trapped steam is what makes popcorn chewy.
- Total time
- 8 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 ½ oz popcorn kernels
- 1 ½ tbsp caster sugarfor sweet fendisha
- ¼ tsp fine saltfor savoury fendisha, or a pinch with the sugar
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Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Put 2 tbsp vegetable oil and 3 kernels from 3 ½ oz popcorn kernels into a large heavy pan with a lid and set it over a medium-high heat. Wait until the test kernels pop, about 2 minutes; that tells you the oil is hot enough.
2 minStep 2: Add the rest of the kernels in a single layer, shake to coat them in oil, then cover with the lid slightly ajar.
Step 3: Shake the pan every few seconds as the kernels pop. When the popping slows to 2–3 seconds between pops, after about 3 minutes, take the pan off the heat at once. Waiting for every last kernel is the common mistake: the popped corn at the bottom scorches.
3 minStep 4: Tip into a wide bowl, pick out any unpopped kernels, and while it is still hot sprinkle over 1 ½ tbsp caster sugar, ¼ tsp fine salt or both, tossing well so it sticks. Serve warm alongside the coffee.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 140 kcal
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbs
- 21 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fibre
- 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does fendisha take?
- About 8 minutes in total: 2 minutes to prepare and 6 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of caster sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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