Senegalese Peanut and Baobab Fruit Pudding

Senegalese Peanut and Baobab Fruit Pudding

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A traditional Senegalese sweet treat that marries the nutty richness of freshly ground peanuts with the tangy, citrus-like flavor of baobab fruit pulp. The mixture is gently simmered until creamy, then chilled into a spoonable pudding that is cool, refreshing, and deeply satisfying.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings6
Yield6 servings

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (estimated)

  • 320 kcalCalories
  • 18 gFat
  • 2.5 gSaturated Fat
  • 30 gCarbs
  • 5 gFiber
  • 20 gSugar
  • 10 gProtein
  • 110 mgSodium
  • 380 mgPotassium
  • 60 mgCalcium
  • 2 mgIron
  • 8 mgVitamin C
  • 30 mcgVitamin A

Ingredients

For the pudding

  • 1 1/2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts, skins removed, coarsely ground
  • 1/2 cup baobab fruit pulp powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 3 tablespoons millet flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the garnish

  • 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • Extra ground cinnamon for dusting

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the baobab fruit pulp powder into the cold water and let it stand for 5 minutes so the powder fully dissolves and hydrates.
  2. Pour the baobab mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heavy saucepan, pressing gently to extract the creamy liquid and leaving behind any fibrous bits.
  3. Add the ground peanuts, sugar, millet flour, and salt to the saucepan and whisk until smooth with no visible lumps of flour.
  4. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly to prevent sticking, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, then remove from the heat and let the pudding cool for 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to keep it smooth.
  6. Divide the warm pudding among six small serving bowls or ramekins, smoothing the tops.
  7. Chill the puddings in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, until firmly set and thoroughly cold.
  8. Just before serving, sprinkle each pudding with the chopped roasted peanuts, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon.
  9. Serve chilled as a light dessert or afternoon sweet.

Cook’s Notes

  • Baobab fruit pulp powder is sold at African markets and natural-food stores; substitute tamarind pulp if it is unavailable, though the flavor will be more sour than tangy-creamy.
  • Toast the peanuts briefly in a dry skillet before grinding to deepen their nutty flavor.
  • The pudding thickens considerably as it cools, so do not over-reduce it on the stove or it will set too firmly.
  • For a richer, dairy-style version, replace 1 cup of the water with coconut milk or whole milk.
  • Always sift the baobab mixture to remove any hard seed fragments that can ruin the silky texture.