Preparing Marmaree: An Arsi Oromo Snack
A popular dish among the Arsi Oromo of Ethiopia, Marmaree is a snack made from wheat or barley dough baked in a spiral pattern and is usually mixed with butter and chilli powder.
What is Marmaree?
A popular dish among the Arsi Oromo, Marmaree is a snack made from wheat or barley dough baked in a spiral pattern and is usually mixed with butter (dhadhaa) and barbaree (chili powder).
The Making of Marmaree (2022) by Abinet TeshomeVisit Oromia
The Marmaree
Marmaree is a traditional snack popular across the Arsi highlands where barley is extensively grown. It is made in the shape of a swirling spiral - Maruu.
The Making of Marmaree (2022) by Abinet TeshomeVisit Oromia
How to make marmaree
Marmaree is prepared using a number of different ingredients and processes. Learn how to make marmaree through the steps below.
1.Sun-dried barley
To begin with, the barley is selected and washed.
It is then put in a large container, after being smashed and soaked in hot water overnight. Afterwards it is rinsed, drained, and sun-dried.
2.Hand-milled barley flour
After it has been lightly roasted and de-hulled to separate the bran from grain, the refined grain is then milled into flour.
3.Marmaree before butter
The dough is then mixed and rolled inward in cirlces. It is then lightly fried on Ellee, a traditional pan and then put in the Qorii, a unique utensil.
The Making of Marmaree (2022) by Abinet TeshomeVisit Oromia
4.Butter makes it better!
The dish's key ingredient, butter, is prepared by adding different spices to clarified butter and storing it for two to three days.
Traditional Buttery Oromo Food (2022) by Abinet TeshomeVisit Oromia
Buttered Marmaree
This spiced butter blend smothers the bread crumbs and Besso flour is sprinkled on top as a final touch. It is eaten after it has cooled down.
Brought to you by the Oromia Tourism Commission in partnership with Laurendeau & Associates.
Written by Outdoor Ethiopia
Photographed By Berhanu Beyene, Abinet Teshome, & Aron Simeneh
Produced by Metasebia Yoseph & Lidya Gebrehanna for Laurendeau & Associates.
Music by Manuhe Negesse Gudina
Special Thanks To
Oromo Cultural Center for sharing their archive and artifacts.
Guzo Technology
Eternal Media
Nega Wedajo Werete
Hickson Debele
Cultural Foods recreated by Saaraa Duubee.
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