Cherchem (Millet with Vegetable Sauce)
Cherchem is a hearty and flavorful Mauritanian dish where millet is cooked with a savory vegetable sauce. It's a nutritious and satisfying meal, often prepared with a blend of aromatic spices, tomatoes, and various vegetables, making it a staple in many households, especially in regions where millet is a primary grain.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Millet grains(rinsed)
- 4 cups Water(plus more if needed)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Sweet potato(peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(diced)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the millet grains thoroughly under cold water. Set aside.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- 5
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), carrots, sweet potato, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- 6
Add the rinsed millet and 4 cups of water. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the millet is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally and add more water if the mixture becomes too dry before the millet is cooked.
- 8
Once cooked, let the Cherchem rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other vegetables like zucchini or green beans to the sauce.
- ✓For extra protein and texture, consider adding cooked chickpeas or lentils to the vegetable sauce.
- ✓Ensure the millet is well-rinsed to remove any bitterness.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil.