Chad

The dish

Breakfast in Chad uses simple, filling foods made from grains like millet and sorghum. La bouillie de mil is a warm millet porridge flavored with peanuts, butter, and evaporated milk. Peanuts are an especially important part of the agriculture in Chad. The dish is a nourishing and filling porridge that keeps you going during the day.

Traditional versions use millet flour. I only had whole millet, so I toasted the grains, simmered them until very soft, and blended them smooth.

What we thought

We actually thought the flavor ended up being very good with milk and sugar added. However, millet turns into a paste, and the texture was not our favorite. The overall result was a more glue-like version of peanut butter flavored cream of wheat.

I don’t like porridge or peanut butter, which hurt this recipe’s rating a lot. If you do like that type of food, this recipe might be one you like. Rating: 2.7/5.

Ingredients and directions

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole millet
• 4 cups water, plus extra as needed
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup evaporated milk
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar, plus more to taste
• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, finely ground, plus extra for topping
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Directions

1. Rinse the millet in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water.
2. Toast the millet in a dry saucepan over medium-low heat for 4–6 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty. If the grains are still wet, let the moisture cook off first. Don’t brown them too much.
3. Add the water and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, partially cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes. Stir every few minutes. The millet is done when it’s very tender and starting to break apart. Add hot water if the pot gets dry.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly. Blend until smooth, working in batches if needed. Add a little hot water if it’s too thick. Return the porridge to the saucepan.
5. Stir in the evaporated milk, sugar, butter, ground peanuts, vanilla, and nutmeg. Cook gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t stick.
6. Taste and add more sugar if you want it sweeter. Loosen with hot water or milk if it’s too thick. If it tastes flat, add a tiny pinch of salt. Serve warm, topped with roasted peanuts.