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Tuwon Dawa

Also known as Tuwon Dawa (Millet Flour Swallow)

Tuwon Dawa is a Northern Nigerian swallow made from millet flour — one of the oldest swallows in the Nigerian culinary tradition, predating the widespread availability of rice and corn. Millet (dawa in Hausa) has been cultivated in the West African Sahel for thousands of years and is deeply embedded in Hausa agricultural and food culture.

Tuwon Dawa, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 3 big cups of millet flour (finely ground millet / pearl millet flour)
  • 5 glasses of water
  • A pinch of salt

Method

  1. 01

    Making a Slurry. In a bowl, combine 1 big cup of millet flour with 2 glasses of cold water. Stir until completely smooth and lump-free.

  2. 02

    Boiling. Bring 3 glasses of water to a full rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt. Pour in the millet slurry while stirring continuously.

  3. 03

    Adding the Remaining Flour. Add the remaining millet flour gradually while stirring vigorously. Millet flour thickens quickly and can develop a slightly lumpy texture if not stirred fast — work the spatula energetically.

  4. 04

    Vigorous Turning. Once all the flour is incorporated, turn and press vigorously for 12 to 15 minutes until a smooth, very firm, dark-golden swallow forms. Millet swallow is naturally darker and denser than corn or rice swallows.

  5. 05

    Steaming. Cover tightly and steam on the very lowest heat for 8 minutes.

  6. 06

    Moulding. With wet hands, mould into firm balls. The finished Tuwon Dawa should be a uniform dark golden-grey colour, very firm and have the distinctive earthy millet aroma. Serve immediately.

More side dishes & swallows