Thiakry (Senegalese Millet Couscous with Sweet Yogurt)
In short: Fluffy steamed millet couscous folded into sweetened yogurt with raisins, vanilla and nutmeg, and served well chilled from one big bowl. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Thiakry is a cold dessert of fine millet couscous tossed with sweetened yogurt, raisins, vanilla and nutmeg. It is served after meals, at celebrations and during Ramadan, usually from one big bowl in the middle of the table. The couscous is steamed until fluffy and cooled completely before the creamy sauce goes in, so the grains stay separate instead of turning gluey. Chill it well and serve it cold.
Instructions
- Spread the couscous in a bowl, sprinkle with the water and salt and rub it between your fingers for 2 minutes so the grains absorb the water evenly.
- Line a steamer basket with a clean cloth and add the couscous. Steam over simmering water, covered, for 20 minutes until tender and fluffy.
- Tip the couscous into a wide bowl and break up any lumps with a fork. Let it cool completely, about 30 minutes, fluffing it now and then.
- Whisk the yogurt, milk, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and orange blossom water, if using, until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the raisins.
- Fold the yogurt mixture into the cooled couscous gently so the grains stay separate. Taste and add more sugar if you like it sweeter.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Stir before serving, adding a splash of milk if the thiakry has thickened too much.
Tips
- Cool the couscous fully before adding the yogurt. Warm grains split the yogurt and make the dessert watery.
- No millet couscous? Use fine wheat couscous, moistened and steamed the same way, or cooked fonio.
Questions and answers
Can I make thiakry ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps in the fridge for 2 days, and the grains soften as they soak up the sauce. Add a little milk before serving to loosen it.
Where can I find millet couscous?
Look in African and Middle Eastern grocery stores, or online. It is sold as millet couscous, thiéré or sometimes simply as fine millet grits.
Is thiakry sweet?
It is lightly sweet and tangy from the yogurt. Many families add condensed milk or more sugar, so taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
How long does it take to make Thiakry (Senegalese Millet Couscous with Sweet Yogurt)?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Thiakry (Senegalese Millet Couscous with Sweet Yogurt)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 63 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 63 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
