Desserts
Dègue (Millet Couscous with Yogurt)
Ingredients
- - 200 g (1 cup) fine millet couscous (or ground millet)
- - 250 ml (1 cup) water
- - 500 ml (2 cups) plain yogurt
- - 80 g (1/3 cup) sugar, or to taste
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- - 1 pinch salt
Method
- Sprinkle the millet couscous with a little water and rub between your hands to separate the grains and prevent clumping.
- Steam the couscous over simmering water for 20 minutes, fluffing with a fork halfway through, until the grains are tender and separate.
- Spread the steamed couscous on a tray to cool to room temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Fold the cooled millet couscous into the sweetened yogurt until evenly combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving cold.
Introduction: Dègue is a beloved cool, creamy dessert made from tiny steamed millet grains folded into sweetened yogurt or milk.
Cultural Background: Dègue is a beloved cool, creamy dessert made from tiny steamed millet grains folded into sweetened yogurt or milk. Sold by street vendors in cups on hot afternoons, it is especially popular during Ramadan for breaking the fast, and is treasured across Burkina Faso as a refreshing treat.
Tips: Rubbing water into the dry couscous before steaming is essential to prevent it clumping into a solid mass. Chilling thoroughly makes for a more refreshing dessert, especially in hot weather.
Variations: Use coconut milk in place of some of the yogurt for a richer, tropical variation. Top with fresh fruit such as mango or banana just before serving. For a vegan version, use a plant-based yogurt alternative in place of dairy yogurt.
Storage: Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This dessert is served cold and does not require reheating.
Nutrition: Approx. 230 kcal, 8 g protein, 40 g carbohydrate, 4 g fat per serving (based on 5 servings).
FAQs:
Q: Can I use regular couscous instead of millet couscous?
A: Millet couscous gives the traditional flavour and texture; wheat couscous can be substituted but changes the character of the dish.
Q: Is dègue very sweet?
A: It is only lightly sweetened by default; adjust the sugar to your taste.