Do you like to start your day with a healthy bowl of hot cereal? If so, let me introduce you to a new grain, fonio. It’s actually a very old grain, an ancient grain to be specific. It is native to West Africa and has been planted and cultivated in that continent for over 7,000 years. It is naturally gluten-free and high in all kinds of nutrients like iron,magnesium, zinc and fiber.
It takes very little water to grow and can thrive in poor soil making it a really easy source of food to grow.
I’ve only recently been introduced to the grain and have already used in side dishes like my Fonio with Pistachios and Apricots (it is similar to couscous) and have used it to make my Fonio and Walnut and Stuffed Mushrooms appetizer too. Everyone loved the results, so I decided to try it in a hot cereal preparation.
Fonio cooks up in under five minutes and gets really creamy. I’d compare it to farina. It can be made with plain water, or any type of milk from skim, to whole, and oat milk and soy milk work too. In this preparation, I used unsweetened almond milk.
The typical Fonio Cereal ratio is 1-part fonio to 4 parts milk (for one serving: ¼ cup fonio and 1 cup milk). However, I prefer to add a little extra milk for creamier results (so ¼ cup fonio and 1 ¼ cups milk per serving). You can decide once you give it a try.
Needless to say, milk will give you the creamiest results, however, you can also try it with just water. Since I like a sweet and well flavored cereal, I’ve added almond extract, a little butter and some brown sugar substitute. (My preference is either Lakanto or Swerve.) You could certainly use regular brown sugar or omit it completely. I wanted a sugar-free version, so I used a substitute.
Then, it’s all about the toppings for me. I want the freshness of fruit and the crunch of the slivered almonds which goes great with the almond milk. I just need maple syrup on my hot cereals…always have, always will. BUT, that’s just me. I find a little drizzle goes a long way. Again, I chose a sugar-free maple syrup but use your favorite or omit it – your call.
How to make hot fonio cereal
It couldn’t be easier to make hot fonio cereal. In a small pot over medium high heat, add the milk, butter, almond extract, sugar, fonio and a pinch of salt. I use Shipetaukin Fonio for Hot Cereal. Stir to combine. Just bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir frequently until the milk is absorbed and the cereal is thick and creamy. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Spoon into two bowls and top with your fresh berries and slivered almonds. Drizzle with maple syrup if using and enjoy.
Did you make this recipe and enjoy it? If so, do leave me a comment on what kind of milk you used. Did you like it? Please leave a rating too. I’d love to hear what you thought.
Looking for other hot fonio cereal recipes? Try my carrot cake fonio cereal too. For other healthy starts to your day, check out some of these recipes too:
Hami Melon and Kiwi Smoothie Bowl
Cherry, Acai, Pomegranate & Raspberry Smoothie Bowl
Skinny Everything Bagel Egg & Cheese Sandwich
Hot Fonio Cereal with Almonds and Berries
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Shipetauken hot cereal fonio
- 2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1 Cup Fresh berries of your choice
- 1 Tbsp. Brown sugar substitute or brown sugar
- 1/2 Tsp. Pure Almond Extract
- 1 Tsp. Butter
- 2 Tbsp. Slivered Almonds
- Sugar-free maple syrup to drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Combine fonio, milk, butter, almond extract, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Mix well.
- Bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook until the milk is absorbed and the cereal is creamy and thickened, stirring frequently (about 4 to 6 minutes).
- Spoon the cereal into two bowls and top with the fresh berries. Sprinkle with the almond slivers and drizzle with the maple syrup if using. Enjoy.
