Fonio called ACHA in Nigeria, Po in Mali, Mora/Findinba in Senegal. Fonio Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua) is probably the oldest African grain. For thousands of years West Africans have cultivated it across the dry savannas. Indeed, it was once their major food. Even though few other people have ever heard of it, this crop still remains important in areas scattered from Cape Verde to Lake Chad. In certain regions of Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Nigeria, for instance, it is either the staple or a major part of the diet.
FONIO is high in fiber, great for cholesterol and it's also gluten free!
Fonio has low glycemic index. It is absorbed in body slowly and thus effect on blood sugar is gradual. Fonio is also believed to have insulin secreting properties and aids in controlling blood sugar levels in body. Fonio is highly rich in essential amino acids, folic acid and iron. Thus it plays important role in iron metabolism. It is good in preventing anemia. This nutritious food is traditionally recommended for pregnant and lactating women in Africa.
Like other millets, fonio offers body with phytonutrients which may reduce levels of thyroid hormones in body and lead to hypothyroidism. While this property can be helpful for people with hyperthyroidism, but people suffering from hypothyroidism should avoid fonio.
RECIPE:
Ingredients
1 Cup of Fonio
1 Cup of broccoli or any vegetable of your choice
1/2 cup shrimp and oysters
1/2 cup of Onion, dried ground shrimp, smoked fish
1 chicken seasoning cube
One teaspoon of Curry Powder or turmeric
Pinch of thyme, ginger, garlic and cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon of black and white pepper
A teaspoon of smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon of butter
1 tablespoon of palm oil or any oil of your choice
Method
Wash your fonio and set aside.
In a pan, pour in your butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil and stir fry your vegetables. Add in the chopped vegetables . Seasonings, onions, tomatoes, smoked fish, dried crayfish powder, and spices. Stir well. Then add your fonio
Stir well and add 1/2 cup of water. Cover and cook. Then add your shrimp and oysters. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Stir well Taste for seasoning, adjust seasoning and serve your stir fried acha hot.
