Sombi is a traditional West African dish, especially popular in Senegal. Made with rice and coconut milk, it is served as a creamy, mildly sweet porridge or dessert. This recipe is adapted from one by Saveur magazine.
Ingredients
- 4 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (fresh or dried)
- ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped and reserved)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Procedure
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, shredded coconut, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla bean seeds. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
2.Add the cooked white rice and continue to stir. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the rice begins to break down and the mixture thickens into a porridge-like consistency.
3.Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice.
4.Serve hot as a warm, mildly sweet dessert or breakfast porridge.
Notes and tips
The main ingredients are very important because they give the dish its real, traditional taste. To make it taste right, be sure to use good quality coconut milk, vanilla, and other fresh ingredients.
See also
Cuisine of Senegal