Sophi Tsaala (Millet and Vegetable Salad)
A refreshing and nutritious salad featuring cooked millet, a variety of fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. This dish is a testament to the use of staple grains and fresh produce in Burkinabe cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Millet
- 2 cups Water
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1.5 cups Sweet corn kernels
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(diced)
- 1 medium Yellow bell pepper(diced)
- 0.5 medium Red onion(finely diced)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese(crumbled (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the millet under cold running water to remove any impurities or bitterness.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
- 3
Add the rinsed millet to the boiling water, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the millet has absorbed all the water and is tender.
- 4
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the millet sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- 5
While the millet is cooling, prepare the vegetables: dice the red and yellow bell peppers, finely dice the red onion, and chop the fresh cilantro.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper to create the dressing.
- 7
Once the millet has cooled, add the sweet corn, diced bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl.
- 8
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients until well combined.
- 9
If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for an added burst of creaminess. Serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a different texture, you can substitute millet with quinoa or couscous.
- ✓Ensure the millet is completely cooled before mixing with other ingredients to prevent a mushy salad.
- ✓Adjust the amount of lemon juice and spices to your personal preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.
- Include other vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or steamed green beans.
- Incorporate toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch.