Pilaf with Fonio

This light and fluffy dish brings a delightful twist to your meal with the nutty flavor of fonio. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome goodness, it’s perfect as a side or a wholesome main course.

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TIME30 min

SERVINGS4

RATING4.7 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

¾ cup warm vegetable stock, divided ¼ cup golden raisins 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 shallot, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds ¼ cup shredded carrots 1 cup fonio grains 1 pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by soaking the raisins in about half a cup of vegetable stock and set that aside for a bit. In a deep skillet, heat some oil over medium heat, then add the shallot, garlic, black sesame seeds, carrots, and almonds. Cook everything together until it smells amazing and the veggies have softened, which should take around 4 minutes. Next, stir in the fonio and let it toast for a couple of minutes so it picks up all those flavors. Pour in the raisins along with the soaking liquid, and keep stirring until the fonio soaks up most of the liquid, about 5 minutes. If it still feels a bit firm, add a little more stock and cook until the fonio is nice and tender—you might not need all the extra stock depending on your fonio. Season with salt and pepper to taste. When it’s done, take it off the heat, fluff it gently with a fork, and sprinkle some fresh pomegranate seeds on top before serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the grain thoroughly before cooking to remove any dust or impurities.
- Use a ratio of about 1 part grain to 2 parts liquid for fluffy results.
- Let the grain rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to absorb any remaining moisture.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious and gluten-free grain that cooks quickly and has a light, fluffy texture. It’s both comforting and versatile, making it perfect for any meal. The subtle nutty flavor pairs well with many ingredients, adding a unique twist to your usual grain dishes.

Serving ideas

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or grilled meats for a balanced meal. It also works great as a base for a vegetable stir-fry or mixed with fresh herbs and lemon juice for a light salad. Adding toasted nuts or dried fruits can bring extra texture and flavor.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to keep it moist. You can also freeze cooked portions for up to a month; thaw in the fridge before reheating.