Cherchem is a traditional Mauritanian recipe for a classic dish of spiced and herbed millet grains in a tomato base that is typically served for Yannayer, the Berber New Year. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Mauritanian version of: Cherchem.
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This is a classic dish that reveals Mauritania's berber heritage and is typically prepared for Yannayer, the Berber New Year celebrations. The dish is also commonly prepared in Algeria, but with cracked or bulgur wheat rather than millet.
Ingredients:
1kg millet grains
1/2 tsp dried oregano crumbled
1/2 tsp dried mint
1 tsp paprika
leaves from 1 sprig of thyme, minced
1 bayleaf
1/2 tsp ground coriander seeds
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 small tin of tomato purée
4 tbsp oil
salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Method:
Wash the millet, place in a bowl, cover with water and set aside to soak over night.
The following day, drain the millet, place in a pot, pour in enough water to cover and bring to a boil. As soon as the water comes to a boil add the spies, herbs, garlic, tomato purée and oil. Season to taste with salt and freshly-ground black pepper, reduce to a simmer then cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the mixture is almost dry.
Though the basic dish is made from grains only, it can be enriched by the addition of lentils, beans or chickpeas.
