An Ethiopian Dinner

One of the best parts of this blogging world is the people we meet. I am very fortunate to have have met and become good friends with another blogger, Julia from https://retirementrvdream.com/. It turns out Julia and I only live about 30 minutes or less away from each other. We became fast friends immediately and have enjoyed each others company many times since we first met.

Saturday night, Julia and her husband Bruce, invited us over for dinner. Julia prepared this fantastically delicious Ethiopian meal for us. I have eaten many different foods from all over the world, and have enjoyed many different African meals as well, but up until Saturday, I don’t recall ever having eaten foods specifically from Ethiopia. Everything was prepared to perfection and was just unbelievably delicious. And Julia had everything beautifully decorated for the evening as well. Unbeknownst to Julia, she actually became a guest chef. 🙂

Julia had the table beautifully decorated in an African theme to go with the African/Ethiopian feast she prepared.

As Julia was putting together the last finishing touches of dinner, she started us off with these amazing sambosas, stuffed with spicy shredded beef. She also had some toasted pepitas and special African style almonds for us to nibble on as well.

Julia is hard at work, putting together the salad.

While everything was cooking, I helped Julia roll up the teff cakes made with teff flour. I had never heard of teff flour before. I love how I am always learning something new, and then I get to share itwih all of you. 🙂

The teff seeds too.

Bruce was busy pouring the wine as we sat down to this delicious and exotic feast.

Once everything was prepared, it was time to eat. The eating style is quite elaborate as well. Everything is put onto one of the teff cakes, that lines the bottom of the plate. The teff cakes absorbs all the juices and flavors from all the foods placed on top. Then the food is picked up with the rolled teff strips and eaten with your hands.

I waited for Julia to show us how we were supposed to eat everything. She graciously showed us the correct form. We also had forks and knives just in case we couldn’t get the hang of it. Luckily too.

Julia’s exotic and delicious spread included: 1) Ye’a besha Gomen (collard greens); 2) A takilt Wat (cabbage, carrots and potatoes); 3) Ye’misser Wat (red lentils in a spicy sauce); 4) Ye’difin Misser Alicha (lentils in garlic ginger sauce); and 5) Key Wat (spicy beef stew). Everything was absolutely scrumptious. What a feast and what a treat.

The meal did not end here though. Oh no! Julia had one last divine trick up her sleeve; a whipped banana and yogurt dessert topped with toasted pecans.

With very full and satisfied tummies, it was time to sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. Even Nox had to be a part of the festivities and was happy to be in her momma’s arms, getting lots of love.

Julia and Bruce, thank you so much for such a fabulous meal and a great evening. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Celebrating the holidays with friends and family is one of the best things in life.

Stay health and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.