THE RECIPE COLLECTION · Side Dish

Fonio Cooked with Black Sesame Seeds

This simple, flavorful dish combines nutty fonio with crunchy black sesame seeds for a delightful texture and taste. It’s a quick and healthy way to enjoy a unique grain that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

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TIME23 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

COOKBOOK / 31223

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Adjust servings4

¼ teaspoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds 1 ½ cups water ½ cup fonio

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

Toast and Cook Fonio

Start by heating some oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sesame seeds and toast them, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and lightly browned—this usually takes about 6 minutes. Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Once the sesame seeds are ready, add them to the boiling water along with the fonio and a pinch of salt. Let everything come back to a gentle boil, then lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer until all the water is absorbed, which should take around 5 minutes. When it’s done, fluff the fonio with a fork to separate the grains, and it’s ready to serve.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse fonio well before cooking to remove any dust or impurities.
- Use a fine mesh sieve when toasting black sesame seeds to avoid burning them.
- Cook fonio with slightly less water than usual for a fluffier texture.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines the nutty flavor of fonio with the rich, toasted aroma of black sesame seeds. It’s a healthy and gluten-free option that cooks quickly and pairs well with many meals. The texture is light and fluffy, making it a great base or side dish.

Serving ideas

Serve warm as a side to grilled vegetables or spiced meats. It also works well topped with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for a simple, refreshing meal. For a vegetarian option, try mixing in sautéed greens or roasted nuts.

Storage & leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture. You can also freeze cooked fonio in portions for up to a month.