Ga'at is a stiff porridge

Porridge

Porridge is a dish made by boiling oats or other cereal meals in water, milk, or both. It is usually served hot in a bowl or dish...

, made traditionally with barley

Barley

Barley is a major cereal grain, a member of the grass family. It serves as a major animal fodder, as a base malt for beer and certain distilled beverages, and as a component of various health foods...

 flour, though in many diaspora communities wheat flour

Flour

Flour is a powder which is made by grinding cereal grains, other seeds or roots . It is the main ingredient of bread, which is a staple food for many cultures, making the availability of adequate supplies of flour a major economic and political issue at various times throughout history...

 is often used. To cook ga'at, the flour and water are combined and stirred continuously with a wooden spoon. Ga'at is presented in a large mound with a hole in the center, filled with a mixture of tesmi and berbere

Berbere

Berbere is a spice mixture whose ingredients usually include chile peppers, garlic, ginger, dried basil, korarima, rue, white and black pepper, and fenugreek...

. This spicy combination is tempered with yogurt which balances the flavors.

It is typically eaten at breakfast, though it is also traditionally prepared for guests who come to visit newborn children.