Ready to explore cassava recipes? Let's dive in!
What's the story
Gari is a fermented and roasted cassava flour that serves as the backbone of many West African diets. It's versatile, gluten-free, and full of energy—perfect for creating a wide range of delicious dishes. This article explores five unexpected and delicious ways to use gari in your cooking, going beyond the traditional pairing with soup or stew.
Breakfast
Gari for breakfast: Porridge twist
Gari can be turned into a healthy porridge that makes for an excellent breakfast choice. By combining gari with hot water or milk and letting it expand, you get a creamy porridge. Add sugar, honey, or fruits for sweetness, and nuts for crunch. Not only is it energizing, but it also adds a pleasant change to typical breakfast cereals.
Snack time
A light snack: Gari foto
Gari foto is a refreshing snack made by combining gari with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, oil, and sometimes bell peppers. You can either form it into balls or enjoy it loose. It's easy to make and provides a burst of flavor that's a welcome change from typical snacks. Savory but not heavy, gari foto is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Side dish
Innovative sides: Gari balls
Taking a cue from beloved classics, gari balls are the new kids on the culinary block when it comes to side dishes. Dampened gari is shaped into balls and deep-fried to a perfect golden hue. Served alongside soups or stews, these crunchy wonders introduce an unexpected crispness and a fun twist to your dining experience.
Main course
Main course magic: Vegetarian jollof gari
A beloved staple throughout West Africa, Jollof rice now has a delicious vegetarian alternative - Jollof Gari! This version is cooked by first sauteing onions, garlic, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables. You then add soaked gari to absorb all the delicious flavors. This main course not only fills your belly but also brings a refreshing twist to the classic Jollof experience.
Dessert
Dessert delight: Sweetened gari cake
Finally, gari can even be incorporated into desserts through creative recipes like sweetened gari cake. By mixing moistened gari with coconut milk, sugar (or your preferred sweetener), grated coconut flesh (optional), and baking it until firm - you create a dense but moist cake that pleasantly surprises people with its delicious taste and contrasting texture compared to conventional cakes.