Fatoo
Fatoo is a hearty and nutritious porridge made from fermented sorghum, a staple grain in Lesotho. It has a slightly tangy flavor due to fermentation and is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a filling meal. It can be served plain or with added sugar.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Sorghum flour
- 8 cups Water(divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- optional Sugar(to taste)
- 1/4 cup Tomoso (starter culture)(optional, for traditional fermentation)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, mix the sorghum flour with 2 cups of water to form a smooth paste. If using Tomoso, stir it in now.
💡 Tip: Ensure there are no lumps in the sorghum paste. - 2
Cover the bowl and let the mixture ferment in a warm place for 24 hours. Stir occasionally.
💡 Tip: The longer it ferments, the tangier it will become. - 3
After fermentation, bring the remaining 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
- 4
Gradually add the fermented sorghum mixture to the boiling water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
💡 Tip: Stirring is crucial to achieve a smooth consistency. - 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the porridge thickens.
- 6
Stir in the salt. Taste and add sugar if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The fermentation process is key to the authentic flavor of Fatoo.
- ✓If Tomoso is unavailable, the porridge can still be made without it, though the flavor will be less pronounced.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired porridge consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Serve with a dollop of yogurt or milk.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.