Orouk with a Burundian Twist

Ingredients

While the original Armenian Orouk is typically made with wheat or rice, this Burundian adaptation replaces those grains with millet, a staple in Burundian cuisine. Additionally, the spices used in this recipe, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, are commonly found in Burundian dishes, adding a distinct flavor profile to the porridge. We alse have the original recipe for Orouk, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (185g) millet 1 cup (185g) millet
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 4 cloves 4 cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup (30g) toasted nuts (such as almonds or cashews), chopped 1/4 cup (30g) toasted nuts (such as almonds or cashews), chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) dried fruits (such as raisins or apricots), chopped 1/4 cup (30g) dried fruits (such as raisins or apricots), chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 10g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the millet under cold water to remove any impurities.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed millet, water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and salt.
3. 3.
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the mixture has thickened.
4. 4.
   Remove the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves from the porridge.
5. 5.
   Stir in the honey until well combined.
6. 6.
   Serve the porridge hot, garnished with toasted nuts and dried fruits.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Millet — Rinse the millet thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
• Cardamom pods — Lightly crush the cardamom pods to release their aromatic oils.
• Toasted nuts — Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly golden.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or almond milk to the porridge.
• Experiment with different dried fruits such as dates or figs for a unique flavor twist.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
• Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top of the porridge for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftover porridge can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of water or milk while reheating to restore the desired consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the spiced millet porridge in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy it warm for a comforting breakfast or a satisfying dessert.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can arrange a few whole toasted nuts and dried fruits on top of the porridge. Sprinkle some edible flower petals, such as marigold or lavender, for a pop of color.