Babenda

Babenda is a traditional and hearty porridge-like dish from Burkina Faso in West Africa. It is a nutritious, one-pot meal that is both simple to make and deeply satisfying. The base of the dish is typically made from millet or rice, which is cooked down with leafy greens like spinach or kale. The unique and savory flavor of Babenda comes from the addition of soumbala (also known as dawadawa), a pungent fermented locust bean product that is a staple in West African cooking. Often, dried or smoked fish is added for extra protein and umami. The dish is finished with a touch of peanut butter, which adds richness and creaminess. Babenda is a true taste of Burkinabe home cooking.