Healthy Gluten-Free Fonio Couscous with Mustard & Green Olives: An Ancient Grain Delight
Welcome back to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share a fantastic recipe featuring an ancient grain that’s making a big comeback in the culinary world – fonio. This tiny grain, native to West Africa, is not only gluten-free but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy diet. Our recipe for Healthy Gluten-Free Fonio Couscous with Mustard & Green Olives is a delicious and versatile dish that you can enjoy in various ways. Let’s dive in!
Why Fonio?
Fonio is a type of millet that’s been cultivated in Africa for thousands of years. It’s known for its quick cooking time and its impressive nutritional profile. Fonio is rich in amino acids, iron, and calcium, making it a fantastic addition to your diet. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
The Recipe: Fonio Couscous with Mustard & Green Olives
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of fonio with a tangy mustard dressing and the briny goodness of green olives. It’s simple to make and can be served in various ways to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fonio
- 1 and 1/2 cups water or light vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup green olives
- 2 tablespoons mustard (Dijon or honey mustard)
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil
- pinch of Salt and Bouillon
- 1tsp of Cayenne pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper to taste
- 1 large sweet onion sliced
- Spices ( 1 tbsp of minced garlic Garlic, 2 bay leaves, 3 cloves),
Instructions:
- Cook the Fonio: In a medium pot, add 2tbsps of coconut oil, chopped garlic, 1/2 tbsp of bay leaves, cloves, then add your liquid ( 1 an1/2 cups of water/broth) and bring to a boil. Add the fonio, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the fonio is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare the Mustard Sauce: In a small pan on medium heat, add, t2 tbsps of coconut oil, the rest of your minced garlic, then your sliced onion, green olive, mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.Mix and cook for about 3 minutes
- Combine: Add the cooked fonio to the onion sauce, stir to combine.Cover let it cook for another 3 minutes then serve.
- Serve: You can enjoy this fonio couscous as is, or try one of the delicious variations below.
Variations:
1. Fonio Couscous with Grape Salsa Topping
Top your fonio couscous with a fresh grape salsa for a burst of sweetness and color. To make the grape salsa, combine halved grapes, diced green and red onion, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of bouillon salt and olive oil. This adds a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with the tangy mustard dressing.
2. Fonio Couscous with Dried Grapes and Nuts
For a crunchy and sweet variation, add dried grapes (or raisins) and your favorite nuts. Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans work particularly well. This version is perfect for those who love a mix of textures and flavors in their dishes. On medium heat in a small sauce pan, add oil, minced garlic, raisins and nuts mix. Add a 2 tbsps of water to help it boil, then top your couscous with it.
3. Plain Fonio Couscous
Sometimes simplicity is best. Enjoy the fonio couscous on its own to fully appreciate the nutty flavor of the grain combined with the tangy mustard and olives. It’s a light and satisfying dish that stands on its own.
Serving Suggestions:
Fonio couscous with mustard and green olives is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or make it the star of a vegetarian meal by adding some roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. It’s also great for meal prep, as it keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and eating this Healthy Gluten-Free Fonio Couscous with Mustard & Green Olives. It’s a delightful dish that brings together unique flavors and textures, all while being nutritious and easy to prepare. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and find your favorite way to enjoy it. Happy cooking!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. And if you enjoyed this post, be sure to subscribe for more delicious and healthy recipes!
Tags:
#HealthyRecipe #GlutenFree #FonioCouscous #AncientGrains #MustardDressing #GreenOlives #HealthyEating #NutritiousMeals #EasyRecipes #GlutenFreeCooking #HealthyLunch #SideDish #Superfoods #Foodie #CleanEating #RecipeVideo #HealthyLiving #WholesomeFood
Ingredients
Instructions
