Authentic African Tom Brown Porridge Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of toasted corn flour
1 cup of peanuts
1 cup of toasted Millet flour
1/2 cup of toasted soy beans
1/2 cup of toasted wheat
2 cups of water
1 cup of milk
Sugar to taste

Steps and instructions

Blend the peanuts, toasted soy beans, and toasted wheat separately until they turn into a fine powder.
Mix the blended ingredients with the toasted corn flour and toasted Millet flour in a large bowl.
Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Place the mixture over medium heat and stir continuously until it thickens.
When the mixture has thickened to a custard-like consistency, reduce the heat and add milk, stirring continuously.
Add sugar to taste while stirring.
Continue to cook over low heat for about 2 more minutes, still stirring regularly.
Remove from heat and let it cool. Serve warm or chilled based on personal preference.

Tools for making

Blender - to blend the peanuts, toasted soy beans, and toasted wheat into a fine powder
Large bowl - for mixing the blended ingredients with the toasted corn flour and toasted Millet flour
Stove - to cook the mixture over medium heat
Wooden spoon - for stirring the mixture while cooking
Saucepan - to cook the mixture in
Measuring cup - for accurately measuring the ingredients
Whisk or spoon - to stir the mixture while adding water and milk
Serving bowls or glasses - to serve the dish

Recipe variations

Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of corn or Millet flour for a gluten-free option.
Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a chocolate-flavored version.
Replace peanuts with cashews or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Add dried fruits such as raisins, chopped dates, or dried apricots for a fruity twist.
Incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for added warmth and depth of flavor.
Make it vegan by substituting milk with almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
Add a layer of fruit preserves or compote between the layers for added sweetness and texture.
Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts for a decorative touch.
Replace the crust with a crushed cookie or graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor.

Recipe overview

Tom Brown is a nutritious and satisfying West African porridge that is popular for breakfast or as a hearty snack. It's made from a blend of toasted corn flour, peanuts, millet flour, soy beans, and wheat. This recipe will guide you through the simple steps to make your own homemade Tom Brown. You'll love the rich, nutty flavor of this dish and the comforting, custard-like consistency. You can serve it warm or chilled, and it's easy to adjust the sweetness to your liking. This is a straightforward recipe and it's perfect for anyone looking to try a delightful African cuisine.

Common questions

Can I use regular flour instead of the toasted Millet flour? Yes, you can substitute regular flour for the toasted Millet flour if you don't have it on hand. However, be aware that it may slightly alter the taste and texture of the final dish.
Can I use a plant-based milk alternative? Yes, you can use a plant-based milk such as almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk if you prefer a non-dairy option.
Can I add other ingredients like raisins or nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients like raisins, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flours instead of wheat and Millet flour. Ensure that all the ingredients you use are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
How long does it take for the mixture to thicken? It typically takes about 10-15 minutes over medium heat for the mixture to thicken to a custard-like consistency. However, cooking times may vary, so it's important to keep an eye on the mixture and stir continuously.
Can I serve it hot? Yes, you can serve it warm if you prefer. Simply remove it from the heat and serve immediately. If you want to serve it chilled, allow it to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate until cold.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
Blender - To blend the peanuts, soy beans, and wheat into a fine powder.
Saucepan - To cook the mixture over medium heat.
Stirring Spoon - To stir the mixture continuously while cooking.
Measuring Cup - To accurately measure the ingredients.
Serving Bowls - Bowls to serve the finished dish.
Refrigerator - To chill the dish if desired.

Origin stories

Tom Brown is a popular West African dish, originating in Ghana. Traditionally, it's a breakfast porridge made from toasted corn, typically served with milk and sugar. It gets its name from its distinctive brown color after the corn is toasted. The food has a rich history, deeply rooted in West African culinary tradition, and is known for its nutritional value. It's not just a beloved breakfast staple, but also a common weaning food for infants in Ghana. The toasting process gives the corn a unique flavor and also helps in preserving the grain, making it a practical choice in the region's hot climate. The versatility of the dish allows for various other nutritious ingredients, such as peanuts, soy beans, and wheat, to be added according to personal preference, contributing to its widespread popularity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.