🇹 Ethiopian · Traditional Drinks
🥤 Ethiopian Healing Barley Drink
አጥሚት — Atmit (Drink)
Ethiopian Atmit — a very thin, pourable barley or teff porridge-drink sweetened with honey and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Ethiopia's restorative healing drink — given to the sick, to fasting individuals, and to those recovering from illness. More drink than food.
See ETH014 for the full Atmit recipe and heritage. This is the drink version — thinner than the porridge version, served in a cup and drunk rather than eaten with a spoon.
Ingredients
Equipment: Saucepan, Whisk
- ½ cup roasted barley flour (or teff flour)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Whisk barley flour into 1 cup cold water until smooth.
- Bring remaining water to a simmer.
- Add flour mixture slowly, whisking.
- Cook 10—12 minutes, stirring, until very thin porridge consistency.
- Remove from heat. Add honey, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.
- Strain through a fine sieve for a completely smooth drink.
- Serve warm in cups.
Chef Tips
- Thinner than ETH014 (porridge version) — should pour freely.
- Straining produces a smoother drink.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too thick — should be a pourable drink.
The Science
See ETH014 for Atmit science.
Nutrition (per serving)
Health Benefits
- Barley beta-glucan.
- Honey antimicrobial.
- Easily digestible.
- Ginger and cinnamon anti-inflammatory.
Cultural Note
Atmit drink is the care that Ethiopians give to each other — when someone is ill, atmit is prepared and brought to them. When someone is fasting and needs sustenance, atmit is available. It is nourishment as an act of love.
Storage & Serving
Storage: Best consumed immediately.
Reheating: Gently with added water.
Serve with: As a morning drink, As a healing drink for the sick, During fasting periods