Fonio Coconut Porridge
A nutritious and gluten-free breakfast option, Fonio Coconut Porridge is made from the ancient West African grain, fonio, cooked with creamy coconut milk. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with various toppings and sweeteners, offering sustained energy.

🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Fonio
- 350 ml Water(warm)
- 450 ml Coconut milk(warm)
- 0.5 tablespoon Brown sugar(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Nutmeg powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Cinnamon powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Margarine or vegan spread(for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar(for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Coconut flakes(for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a saucepan, combine the fonio, warm water, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well.
💡 Tip: Rinsing the fonio before use is recommended by some sources to remove any dust or debris. - 2
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the fonio grains are starting to soften.
- 3
Turn off the heat. Slowly stir in the warm coconut milk until well combined. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir again.
💡 Tip: Using warm liquids helps to create a smoother porridge. - 4
Cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the fonio to absorb the remaining liquid and thicken to your desired consistency.
- 5
While the porridge rests, prepare the topping: In a small saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until it caramelizes into a light brown syrup.
- 6
Pour the caramelized sugar mixture over the porridge in the serving bowls. Sprinkle with coconut flakes.
💡 Tip: Alternatively, serve the porridge plain and allow individuals to add their preferred toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or honey. - 7
Serve the Fonio Coconut Porridge warm.
💡 Tip: This porridge can be made in a larger batch and reheated during the week.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Fonio is a naturally gluten-free ancient grain, making this a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
- ✓Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar, or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- ✓Experiment with different toppings such as fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts, or seeds.
🔄 Variations
- Use almond milk or other plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for extra richness and protein.
- Incorporate dried fruits like raisins or dates for added sweetness and texture.