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Breakfast

Xerém de Milho (Bissau Corn Porridge)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 250 g (1 1/2 cups) coarsely ground cornmeal (not fine polenta)
  • 750 ml (3 cups) water
  • 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk
  • 1 tsp (1 tsp) salt
  • 2 tbsp (2 tbsp) palm oil or butter
  • 2 tbsp (2 tbsp) roasted peanuts, crushed (optional, for serving)

Method

  1. Bring the water to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot and stir in the cornmeal gradually to avoid lumps.
  2. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 20 minutes until thick and no longer gritty.
  3. Stir in the milk and salt, and continue cooking for a further 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the palm oil or butter just before serving.
  5. Spoon into bowls and top with crushed peanuts if using.

Introduction: Xerém is a coarsely ground corn porridge eaten across Guinea-Bissau and the wider Upper Guinea coast, cooked slowly with water or milk until thick.

Cultural Background: Xerém is a coarsely ground corn porridge eaten across Guinea-Bissau and the wider Upper Guinea coast, cooked slowly with water or milk until thick. It is an everyday breakfast in coastal and interior households alike, often finished with a little palm oil or fish for a heartier version later in the day.

Tips: Stir continuously in the first few minutes to prevent lumps from forming; a whisk can help smooth out any that appear.

Variations: For a savoury version popular later in the day, finish with flaked smoked fish instead of peanuts. Use water instead of milk and palm oil instead of butter for a fully vegan version; nutrition updates automatically via toggle.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the texture, stirring constantly.

Nutrition: Approx. 260 kcal, 6g protein, 9g fat, 40g carbohydrate per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use fine cornmeal?

A: Coarser grinds give the traditional texture, but fine cornmeal works with a shorter cooking time.

Q: Is this dish vegan?

A: Yes, if made with water instead of milk and oil instead of butter.

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