Eating soaked garri is one of life's simplest pleasures--and it's so easy to make that a child could do it. In fact, it's the very first Nigerian recipe I remember making (and greedily eating) with my dad! This staple breakfast dish only calls for four core ingredients and I have a few extra flavorful suggestions for you to incorporate to make it your own. Let's get into it!
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll love my Nigerian tiger nut milk, too!
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What is garri?
Is garri a cereal? Is garri a grain? Garri is cassava (a tuber plant but not a yam) that's been dried, ground, and fermented. In Nigerian cuisine, garri is enjoyed savory or sweet. These cassava flakes have a tangy flavor from the fermentation and are the grainy foundation for the eba recipe--my favorite swallow food.
❤️ Why You'll Love this Recipe
Quick and Easy - This soaked garri, also called garri milk, is an absolute beginner friendly recipe. I should know--since I think the first time I made it was around the age of five!
Customizable - Soaked garri is vegan and delicious as is but also the perfect blank canvas for adding different flavors and textures to create your perfect breakfast bowl.
We love simple Nigerian food recipes over here, like Agege bread, jollof spaghetti, dodo aka fried plantain, zobo drink, and ewa riro. And don't sleep on these delectable Naija meat pies, either!
What You'll Need for this Recipe
Garri, of course! I prefer Ijebu garri because of its tangy, slightly sour taste that is balanced out by the sugar. In the US, you can find garri at African grocery stores and the international sections of some mainstream grocers.
Sugar, specifically granulated sugar is the typical sweetener but you can use whichever granulated or liquid sweetener you like, including maple syrup, brown sugar, etc.
Water is what we're soaking the garri in. Some folks add powdered milk to make the texture more creamy and substantial.
Ice because garri milk is best enjoyed ice cold so you'll often see ice cubes floating around the bowl.
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions!
Substitutions & Variations
Toppings - Aside from ice, I like to add groundnut, aka roasted peanuts. Groundnut is a common addition but my other preference is not so common: toasted coconut chips. You can also add fruits and seeds as you would with any cereal.
Milk - Water, water plus powdered milk or actual milk are all suitable options for soaking garri. Use whatever type and brand of milk you like, including dairy and plant-based options. And peak is a popular brand in Nigeria.
How to Make Soaked Garri at Home
Step One: Add garri, sugar, water, and salt to a cereal bowl.
Step Two: Mix everything up and add ice, groundnut, and toasted coconut for extra razzle dazzle.
Pro Tip: Be sure to cover the garri with at least an inch or two of liquid as it will get absorbed and develop a thick kind of porridge-like texture. And you can add more water as you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Because garri soaks up liquid, I don't recommend making it in advance. This is a quick recipe that requires next to no prep so it's best to consume garri right after you make it.
More Favorite Naija Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
I hope you'll enjoy DIY garri cereal soon and very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
📖 Recipe
Soaked Garri (Garri Cereal)
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup garri
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar or to taste
- 1 pinch sea salt
- ice
- 2 tablespoons groundnut or roasted peanuts optional garnish
- 2 tablespoons toasted coconut chips optional garnish
Instructions
- Add garri to bowl then pour in water, ensuring garri is completely covered in water by at least one inch or two.
- Stir in sugar to taste and sea salt then add ice and desired garnishes.
Cynthia says
Love it
Jazzmine Woodard says
Thanks for your note, Cynthia!