Kama (Estonian Roasted-Grain Dessert with Kefir and Berries)
In short: A cold pudding of toasty roasted-grain kama flour stirred into kefir with honey and berries, a distinctly Estonian breakfast and dessert. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 165 kcal
Kama is the most Estonian flavor there is: a fine, nutty flour made from roasted barley, rye, oats and peas. Stirred into cold kefir or buttermilk with a little sweetener, it turns into a thick pudding that Estonians eat for breakfast, dessert or a snack, usually topped with berries. The taste is toasty and slightly sour, a bit like a malted milkshake. Kama is sold in Baltic shops, and a homemade substitute is described below.
Instructions
- Stir the kama flour into the kefir with the honey until no lumps remain.
- Cover and chill for 15 minutes. The kama absorbs liquid and thickens like a soft pudding.
- Stir again. If it is too thick, loosen it with a splash of kefir or milk.
- Spoon into glasses, layering with the berries and whipped cream if you like. Serve cold.
Tips
- Outside Estonia, kama is sold in Baltic and Nordic shops and online. To approximate it, toast equal parts rye, oat and barley flour in a dry pan for 6 to 8 minutes, until deep golden and nutty.
- Kama is also stirred into yogurt with fruit, sprinkled over porridge, or whisked into a cold milk drink.
Questions and answers
What is kama?
A fine flour made from roasted barley, rye, oats and dried peas, unique to Estonia. It tastes toasty and slightly malty.
Can I eat kama for breakfast?
Yes, it is often eaten that way, stirred into kefir, yogurt or buttermilk, or drunk as a thick milk drink.
Is kama gluten-free?
No. It contains barley, rye and oats, so it is not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How long does it take to make Kama (Estonian Roasted-Grain Dessert with Kefir and Berries)?
About 10 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kama (Estonian Roasted-Grain Dessert with Kefir and Berries)?
About 165 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 25 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 165 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
