Djenkoume with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup (185g) millet 1 cup (185g) millet
• 3 cups (710ml) water 3 cups (710ml) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened peanut butter 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the millet under cold water to remove any impurities.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the millet and salt, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the water is absorbed.
3. 3.
   In a separate saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste, peanut butter, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. 5.
   Gradually add 1 cup (240ml) of water to the peanut sauce, stirring until smooth and well combined. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the cooked millet porridge in bowls and top with the spicy peanut sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Millet — Rinse the millet thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or bitterness.
• Peanut butter — Use unsweetened peanut butter to maintain the savory flavor profile of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add more chili powder or fresh chili peppers to the peanut sauce.
• Adjust the consistency of the peanut sauce by adding more water if desired.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
• Garnish with crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent the millet from drying out.

Serving advice

Serve the Djenkoume with Spicy Peanut Sauce hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. It can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side alongside other Togolese delicacies.

Presentation advice

Present the Djenkoume with Spicy Peanut Sauce in individual bowls, with the millet porridge forming a base and the peanut sauce generously drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.