Bouillie (Chadian Sweet Millet and Peanut Porridge)
In short: A warm, smooth millet porridge enriched with milk and peanut butter and lightly sweetened, eaten for breakfast in Chad. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 240 kcal
Bouillie is the porridge that starts the day in many Chadian homes. Millet flour is whisked into simmering water and milk, then cooked until smooth and thick and stirred with a spoonful of peanut butter for richness. A little sugar sweetens it, and a squeeze of lemon, if you like, adds a sharp note. It is warming, filling and gentle on the stomach, and often given to children and anyone who is unwell.
Instructions
- Whisk the millet flour with the cold water in a bowl until completely smooth.
- Bring the 500 ml water and the milk to a gentle boil in a heavy pot.
- Pour in the millet paste in a slow stream, whisking constantly so no lumps form.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until the porridge is thick and smooth and no longer tastes raw.
- Stir in the peanut butter, sugar and salt until the peanut butter melts in. Add the lemon juice if you like and thin with a splash of water if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, topped with chopped peanuts if you like.
Tips
- Always make the millet into a paste with cold water first, or the porridge will lump when it hits the hot liquid.
- Rice flour or sorghum flour can replace the millet. For a dairy-free version, use water or coconut milk instead of milk.
Questions and answers
Can I make bouillie with water only?
Yes. Use 750 ml water instead of water and milk. The porridge will be lighter but still good.
How do I store leftover bouillie?
Refrigerate for up to 2 days. It thickens as it cools, so loosen it with milk or water when you reheat it.
Is it sweet or savory?
It is lightly sweet in this version. Some families make a plain version with salt and eat it with a stew.
How long does it take to make Bouillie (Chadian Sweet Millet and Peanut Porridge)?
About 30 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bouillie (Chadian Sweet Millet and Peanut Porridge)?
About 240 kcal per serving, with 7 g of protein, 33 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 240 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
