Ngalakh

Name: Ngalakh
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Senegal
Ingredients: Baobab fruit pulp — 200 g (7 oz); Water — 500 ml (2 cups); Smooth peanut butter — 150 g (1/2 cup); Fine millet couscous — 200 g (1 1/3 cups); Sugar, or to taste — 150 g (3/4 cup); Milk — 250 ml (1 cup)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Baobab fruit pulp — 200 g (7 oz)
Water — 500 ml (2 cups)
Smooth peanut butter — 150 g (1/2 cup)
Fine millet couscous — 200 g (1 1/3 cups)
Sugar, or to taste — 150 g (3/4 cup)
Milk — 250 ml (1 cup)

Method

Soak the baobab pulp in the water for 30 minutes, then blend and strain to make a smooth baobab juice.
Steam the millet couscous following the standard cere technique, moistening and steaming twice until light and fluffy.
Whisk the peanut butter into the strained baobab juice until smooth.
Combine the baobab-peanut mixture with the steamed couscous.
Stir in the sugar and milk to taste, adjusting for desired sweetness and creaminess.
Chill before serving, or serve at room temperature.

Introduction: A sweet, creamy dessert made from baobab pulp, peanut butter and millet, traditionally prepared for Korité.

Cultural Background: Ngalakh is a beloved dessert prepared for Korité (Eid al-Fitr), marking the end of Ramadan, its rich combination of baobab, peanut butter and millet couscous a cherished symbol of the holiday's sweetness and celebration.

Tips: Strain the baobab juice thoroughly for the smoothest texture. Whisk the peanut butter in gradually to avoid lumps in the sauce.

Variations: Add a handful of raisins for extra texture and sweetness; some families add a splash of vanilla for extra fragrance.

Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: This dessert is served chilled or at room temperature and is not reheated.

Nutrition: Approx. 320 kcal, 9 g protein, 42 g carbohydrate, 14 g fat per serving.

FAQs:

Q: What is Korité?

A: The Senegalese name for Eid al-Fitr, the joyous celebration marking the end of the Ramadan fasting month.

Q: Why does ngalakh combine baobab and peanut butter?

A: This distinctive pairing reflects Senegal's local ingredients, combining the tangy baobab fruit with the richness of peanuts for a beloved festive flavour.