Fonio. Often grouped under superfoods or miracle foods, the fonio grain or cereal (Digitaria exilis), is relatively new to many but has quickly gained recognition. Fonio is native to West Africa and has a high nutritional value. You may or may not have heard about fonio and I wasn’t familiar with the grain myself until about 3 years ago. This article gives a good overview of the grain.
So far I have used the grains to make a delicious salad with grilled chicken, vegetables and then rounded it off with a tangy dressing.
I have also used fonio in a breakfast porridge with a colourful hibiscus syrup. The hibiscus syrup also adds a slight flowery note, and a beautiful splash of colour to make it not only tasty but also visually appealing.
I find that fonio grains are a bit reminiscent of semolina or couscous but with a more earthy, nutty note. If you are keen to experiment like me, then this a treasure trove filled with all sorts of fonio recipe possibilities.
Today's recipe is pretty simple but packed with flavour. The flour is mixed with water and salt and then steamed. Then to add flavour, it is tossed in a mixture of coconut oil, garlic, onions and thyme. This is a great side that literally goes with any stew or sauce like this mushroom and peppercorn sauce, this very decadent lamb stew or this pork and vegetable stew.
Steamed Fonio
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp fonio flour, heaped
- 1 tbsp coconut oil melted
- thyme
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 2 tbsp onion paste
Instructions
- Mix fonio flour with water until consistency resembles breadcrumbs.
- Boil water in a pan on which a colander can comfortably sit. Once the water is boiling turn down the heat to a low simmer.
- Place the fonio into the colander, spread out as evenly as possible and cover with a lid.
- Periodically (about every 15 minutes) use a fork to gently loosen the fonio.
- The fonio is cooked once the texture and colour is uniform all through and it no longer has a floury taste.
- In a frying pan heat some coconut oil and fry the garlic paste, onion paste and thyme for 3 minutes.
- Add in steamed fonio and mix thoroughly.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use fonio grains instead of fonio flour and the results will be just as good. The grains however will result in a more uniform end result.
- If you are using this makeshift steamer then be sure to check whether the water is sufficient in the pot. You may need to top up the water.
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