Fonio Porridge (Easy Breakfast Recipe)

Name: Fonio Porridge (Easy Breakfast Recipe)
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/2 cup fonio; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk; 1/2 cup unsweet almond milk; 1 tsp maple syrup; 1/4 tsp cinnamon

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Start your day with a nourishing and filling bowl of creamy fonio porridge! This small ancient grain is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals to fuel your morning.

Not only is fonio a naturally gluten-free grain and easy to digest, but its mild, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with your favorite fruits, nuts, and drizzles of honey or syrup.

fonio porridge in a bowl topped with kiwi, raspberries, blueberries, pumpkin seeds and pomegranate

Fonio porridge reminds me a lot of cream of wheat in terms of texture, but with a whole lot more benefits and a lovely nutty taste.

Curious about what makes fonio so special and how to prepare it? Let’s dig in!

Jump to:

Nutritional Benefits
Sustainable Agriculture
How to Use Fonio
Ingredients Notes
How to Make Fonio Porridge
Frequently Asked Questions
Fonio Porridge (Easy Breakfast Recipe)
More Recipes Free of Refined Sugar

Nutritional Benefits

Fonio is special not only because of its impressive nutritional profile but also because of its rich cultural and historical significance. It’s one of the oldest cultivated grains, dating back thousands of years, and has been a staple food in Western Africa for generations.

Nutritionally, I'm in love with fonio because it has a lower glycemic index compared to other grains, making it a better option for people looking to manage blood sugar levels.

a measuring cup filled with dry uncooked fonio

Fonio is also a valuable source of the essential amino acids methionine and cysteine, which support tissue repair, detoxification, and antioxidant production. While not a complete protein on its own, its amino acid profile complements other plant-based foods, especially when paired with lysine-rich ingredients like legumes.

Sustainable Agriculture

As a hardy, drought-resistant crop, fonio requires minimal water and no chemical fertilizers, making it an environmentally friendly choice of grain.

How to Use Fonio

Fonio is used similarly to grains like rice, quinoa, or oats. It has a neutral, slightly nutty flavor, making it a super versatile grain. From savory dinner sides like fonio pilaf and grain salad to sweeter breakfast applications like this one.

It also cooks super quickly in only five minutes!

Ingredients Notes

Coconut Milk

I like to incorporate a good dose of healthy fats like coconut milk in my daily diet and it makes for an extra rich, velvety texture in this recipe. I use a full-fat can of coconut milk, but if you're looking for lower-fat, feel free to sub in your favorite milk.

Almond Milk

This adds more liquid to the recipe to help make for a nice, stir-able porridge, kind of like cream of wheat or prepared oatmeal. If you want your porridge thinner, just add more almond milk or your favorite milk.

Maple Syrup

This is added for flavor but feel free to leave it out if you'd prefer your fonio unsweetened. You could also substitute in honey or a sugar-free syrup alternative.

Cinnamon

Just like the maple syrup, this is for flavor and can be optional. I love the flavor of cinnamon, personally. Too, it's packed with antioxidants and offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

Toppings

You see I've added fruit and sunflower seeds to this bowl. I also regularly add in things like peanut butter, chia seeds, and unsweetened chocolate chips. I also like to top it with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for extra protein.

How to Make Fonio Porridge

Time needed: 5 minutes

A nourishing, tasty breakfast can be ready in less than 10 minutes. Let's go!

Boil water and salt in a small saucepan, then stir in fonio and cook for 2–3 minutes until absorbed
Add coconut and almond milk, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the porridge thickens.
Stir in maple syrup and cinnamon, then remove from heat and serve with your favorite toppings.

a saucepot filled with cooked fonio — Cook the fonio for 2- 3 minutes until water is absorbed

Porridge with the coconut milk and almond milk added — Cook the fonio for 2- 3 minutes until water is absorbed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fonio?

Fonio is a grain, specifically a type of millet. It’s considered an ancient grain, meaning it has been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years without significant modification. Despite being one of the smallest grains in the world, it’s incredibly versatile and nutrient-dense.

What does fonio taste like?

Flavor and texture-wise its like a cross between quinoa and couscous. When it's prepared like a porridge in this recipe, it's very similar to cream of wheat.

Where does fonio come from?

Fonio is native to West Africa, where it has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. It thrives in countries like Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Niger, particularly in the Sahel region which is a semi-arid zone south of the Sahara Desert.

Is fonio better than oats?

It's not necessarily "better". They're both great, but for different reasons. Fonio cooks faster, is lighter in texture, and easier to digest, making it ideal for quick meals and sensitive stomachs. While oats shine with heart-healthy fiber and creamy textures, fonio’s rich micronutrient profile and adaptability to savory recipes set it apart.

Where to buy fonio?

You can generally find it in the grains and rice section at specialty food stores and natural food markets. I typically purchase it through Thrivemarket but have also found it at my local Sprouts, Natural Grocers and Whole Foods. It's also available on Amazon.

Is fonio gluten free?

Yes, fonio is naturally 100% gluten free.