Authentic Nigerian Fara Recipe: A Delicious Snack from the Heart of Africa

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of millet flour
  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions
  • 1/4 cup of finely chopped bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup of finely chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup of finely chopped cucumbers
  • 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, add the millet flour and salt.
  2. Slowly add the boiling water to the flour mixture while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  3. Mix the dough until it becomes smooth and firm. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
  4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
  5. After the dough has rested, divide it into small equal-sized portions. Each portion should be about the size of a golf ball.
  6. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
  7. Once the oil is hot, take one portion of the dough and flatten it with your hands into a round disc. The disc should be about the same size as a small pancake.
  8. Place the disc in the hot pan and cook each side for about 2-3 minutes or until it is golden brown.
  9. Repeat the process with the remaining dough portions.
  10. In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, chili powder, and parsley.
  11. Serve the fara warm with the mixed vegetables on the side.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - For mixing the flour and water to make the dough.
  • Non-stick pan - To cook the fara discs.
  • Vegetable oil - To grease the pan for cooking the fara.
  • Knife - For chopping the onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  • Chopping board - To provide a stable surface for cutting the vegetables.
  • Mixing spoon - To stir the dough and mix the vegetables.
  • Damp cloth - To cover the dough and keep it moist while resting.
  • Spatula - To flip the fara discs while cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of flour such as whole wheat flour or chickpea flour instead of millet flour.
  • Add spices like cumin, turmeric, or paprika to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Include grated cheese or crumbled feta cheese in the vegetable filling.
  • Add cooked and shredded chicken or beef to the vegetable filling for a meat option.
  • Replace the vegetable filling with a different combination of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of millet flour.
  • Add herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint to the vegetable filling for a fresh and aromatic twist.
  • Make a spicy version by adding chopped green chilies or hot sauce to the vegetable filling.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces like yogurt-based sauces, salsa, or chutney.
  • Create a sweet version by adding a touch of sugar or honey to the dough, and filling it with fruits like sliced bananas or berries.

Recipe overview

Fara is a delicious and nutritious West African dish commonly made in Nigeria. It's typically crafted from millet flour, a highly beneficial grain rich in proteins and fibers. This recipe brings together hearty millet pancakes and a fresh vegetable mix, creating a balance of textures and flavors that are sure to please. In this straightforward recipe, you'll learn how to craft the perfect fara dough, cook it to a beautiful golden-brown, and pair it with a vibrant veggie mix. We've also included an optional chili powder ingredient for those who prefer a bit of heat. Whether you're familiar with West African cuisine or eager to try something new, this recipe is an excellent choice. Expect a fun cooking experience and a tasty, satisfying meal!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute millet flour with other gluten-free flours like rice flour or sorghum flour.
  2. What can I use instead of boiling water? Boiling water helps in making the dough more pliable, but you can use hot water instead if boiling water is not available.
  3. Can I skip the chili powder? Yes, the chili powder is optional and can be skipped if you prefer a milder taste.
  4. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh? Fresh parsley provides a more vibrant flavor, but you can use dried parsley as a substitute if fresh parsley is not available. Use about half the amount of dried parsley compared to fresh.
  5. How do I store leftover fara? Store any leftover fara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
  6. Can I make the dough in advance? It is best to make the dough just before cooking the fara. However, you can prepare the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours if needed. Bring it back to room temperature before cooking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the millet flour and water.
  • Non-stick Pan - A pan to cook the fara discs without sticking.
  • Vegetable Chopper - Helpful for finely chopping the onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  • Spatula - Used to flip and remove the fara discs from the pan.
  • Cutting Board - Used to prepare and chop the vegetables.
  • Kitchen Knife - For chopping and dicing the vegetables.
  • Measuring Cups - Used to measure the millet flour and boiling water accurately.
  • Measuring Spoons - To measure the salt, chili powder, and parsley precisely.
  • Damp Cloth - To cover the dough and keep it moist during resting.

Origin stories

Fara, also known as "fura" in some West African countries, is a traditional snack made out of millet flour. Millets have been grown in West Africa for thousands of years and are considered one of the region's oldest cultivated grains. What makes Fara particularly fascinating is that it is often sold by street vendors, served in small calabashes, and traditionally consumed with a fermented milk called "nunu". This portable nature of Fara made it an ideal snack for traders and travelers in ancient times. Today, it continues to be a popular snack and is enjoyed not just in West Africa but all around the world.

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.