KOLO: The Cherished Ethiopian Snack

Posted on September 2, 2014by Sara Genene

Ethiopia has an innate and fascinating history of grain based culinary

tradition. Accordingly many Ethiopian knows how to indulge their body and soul with
different kinds of nutritious and healthy grains whether by making a national staple
food out of it to a simple snack like Kolo – simply roasted grain mix.
Since Kolo has long shelf life, it is usually prepared in bulk, stored in a container and
served in smaller portion on a little plate for the household members or esteemed
Ethiopian household guests to nibble on delicious roasted grains.

Here in Ethiopia Kolo is usually enjoyed between meals, while having traditional coffee
or drinking Ethiopian traditional home brewed beer (Tela).
Barley is the main grain which dominated the combination about 75% in preparing
Kolo, Chickpeas and Sunflower seed cover the rest in completing the combination. The
right kind of Barley grain which is locally known as Senef Kolo picked from the local
market. Skillfully and patiently roasting the grains separately on a large roasting pan,
creatively playing with it till it is evenly and beautifully roasted … brings out the
delicious nutty flavor, delightful crunchiness and of course the genuine taste of this
cherished Ethiopian snack – Kolo.
Within Ethiopian traditional home snack preparing practice, the other interesting detail
that needs to be mentioned is the fact that two kind of paste are prepared to add flavor
by literally coating the roasted grains with it. For savory flavor – exactly how many
Ethiopians like it – the paste is prepared with a little bit of cooking oil and Berbere
(Ethiopian spice mix). For a sweet taste, organic honey and crushed Nug (Niger Seed)
blend is used.
Here in Addis Ababa and other parts of the country, there are many people who make a
living by selling Kolo along the streets and around local open air bars as locals loves to
enjoy their locally brewed beer along with home prepared Ethiopian snack – Kolo.

This home prepared Ethiopian snack is also packed and sold in little shops and mini
supermarkets here in Addis Ababa. The kind of Kolo or roasted grain mix that usually
can be found at these shops are, plain roasted barley grain, chickpeas, sunflower seed
and added peanut.

For someone who wants to enjoy a particular Kolo – usually roasted chickpeas – which
are separately packed, can also be found at these mini supermarkets.
Kolo is a much cherished travel companion for many Ethiopian travelers. From all travel
bundles that many Ethiopian mothers won’t send their children without when they go
away from home whether it is to go to school or for work in the other parts of the
country or abroad, Kolo is at the top of the list.
In many monasteries around the country Kolo is more than a snack as many Ethiopian
monks only eat Kolo especially during lent offerings as it is part of their esteemed
religious practice.
Kolo is also served as nibbles during special occasions like major Ethiopian holidays,
birthdays, religious celebrations and so on. Since Kolo is close to many Ethiopian hearts,
it also function as a special gift to send for loved ones who lives far away from home as
nibbling on one of the eloquent pieces of Ethiopia definitely ease nostalgia.
Something for the Road…from Ethiopia!