You are either in or out when it comes to semolina. Considering the many debates about how good semolina is as a meal, the variety of dishes that can be made from it is not emphasised enough.

To prepare dishes with semolina, you do not have to be a professional and if you are confused about how to go about it, this article will provide you with all the necessary details.

What is semolina made from?

Semolina is a coarse type of flour made from durum wheat. It is mainly used in making pasta, couscous, semolina fufu, and sweet puddings. It is a versatile ingredient used in various culinary traditions around the world. Semolina is high in protein and has a few health benefits.

What dishes can you make with semolina?

1. Semolina Swallow: Semolina swallow, also known as semolina fufu or semolina eba, is a popular dish in West Africa, and common in Nigeria. It's a thick and dough-like mixture made from semolina that's typically served in various soups such as egusi soup, efo riro, and okra soup. Semolina swallow is one of the authentic Nigerian meals that is consumed by many households.

2. Pasta: Semolina is a key ingredient in making pasta, especially in traditional Italian pasta recipes like fettuccine, pappardelle, and many types of gnocchi. It provides a great texture and holds its shape well during cooking. If you're up for the challenge of creating your pasta from scratch, semolina is your key ingredient.

3. Couscous: Semolina is the primary ingredient in making couscous, a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is steamed to create light, fluffy grains that can be used as a base for stews and tagines.

4. Semolina Pudding: Semolina can be used to make a creamy and comforting dessert known as semolina pudding. It's often flavoured with vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices and sweetened with sugar or honey. Semolina pudding is a creamy dessert that many consider a comfort food in many European countries. It is made from semolina flour, along with milk and sugar, and is often flavoured with ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, or lemon zest. It is a popular dessert in various cuisines around the world and can be enjoyed warm or chilled.

5. Semolina Cake: Semolina is a key component in many cake recipes, such as basbousa (a Middle Eastern semolina cake) and revani (a Turkish semolina cake). These cakes are often soaked in sugar or syrup-based syrup for added moisture and sweetness.

6. Semolina Porridge: Similar to cream of wheat, semolina can be used to make a creamy breakfast porridge. It can be flavoured with ingredients like vanilla, fruits, or nuts for added flavour.

How to Make Semolina Swallow

To prepare a good semolina swallow, you do not need many ingredients. Your 100% focus is what is needed

Ingredients

1 cup semolina (or more, depending on the number of servings)

3 cups water

a pinch of salt or none.

Instructions

• Start by boiling water in a pot. fit for the number of servings, and add 3 cups of water or more to boil.
• In a small bowl, add a small quantity of semolina, mix with cold water, and stir until you get a pasty texture.
• Once your water has come to a boil, reduce the heat and pour in the semolina paste in the pot.
• After a minute, the texture will thicken, then add semolina powder slowly into the pot and mix simultaneously with a wooden spatula to prevent lumps from forming. Stop adding semolina once it has thickened, and mix well till it is combined and smooth.
• If it is too thick, add a little bit of water to adjust the consistency. If it is not thick enough, you can add more semolina while stirring continuously.
• Add a little water to the pot for it to boil well with the semolina. Once it is boiled, stir again till it is smooth, and your meal is ready.
• Serve the semolina swallow into a serving dish or bowl and mould it to your desired shape.

To get the most out of this meal, pair it with some delicious soups like eforiro, ewedu, okra, egusi, and many more.

How to Make Semolina Pudding

To make a classic semolina pudding, you'll need a few basic ingredients and a simple cooking process. Here's a semolina pudding recipe that shows how to make this delicious dessert. This step-by-step guide will have you making tasty semolina pudding in no time.

Ingredients

1/2 cup semolina

4 cups milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional flavourings: cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, or rose water

Instructions

•  Add semolina and a small amount of liquid milk to a bowl and mix till you get a smooth paste with no lumps in sight.
• Add 4 cups of milk to a medium-sized saucepan and heat up over medium heat. Add any flavouring of your choice, like cinnamon sticks.
• Once the milk is about to simmer, gently whisk the semolina paste into the simmering milk and stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
• 10–15 minutes later, the mixture should have thickened to a pudding-like texture. Then you can add granulated sugar and vanilla extract.
• Stir well to combine, and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the pudding has reached a thick consistency.
• Remove the semolina pudding from the heat and enjoy it served hot, or let it cool down and refrigerate it for a chilled dessert. You can garnish it with a bit of honey or sprinkle cinnamon on it.

Tips for Making Semolina Pudding

1. Use fresh ingredients for the pudding to make it taste better and more fresh

2. Make sure you stir continuously throughout the cooking process to prevent lumps from forming.

3. Keep the heat at medium for the pudding to simmer gently without letting boil.

4. Be patient during the cooking process, as it might take a while to get the thickened consistency for the semolina pudding.

5. Adjust the sugar level to your desire. Start with a moderate amount of sugar and if the sweetness level is not up to par, add more sugar till it suits your taste.

Semolina Pudding Variations

Semolina pudding is a versatile dessert that can be made with various flavours and ingredients to create delightful variations. Here are some creative ideas to try if you love semolina pudding:

Chocolate Semolina Pudding:

Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the basic semolina pudding recipe for a rich and chocolaty twist. You can also top it with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Fruit-infused Semolina Pudding:

Mix in fruit purees, stewed fruit, or compotes such as strawberry, raspberry, or mango for a fruity flavour. You can also add diced fresh fruit like bananas, apples, or berries for a burst of freshness.

Lemon Semolina Pudding:

Add lemon zest and a touch of lemon juice to your semolina pudding for a refreshing and citrusy flavour. A sprinkle of powdered sugar and a twist of lemon zest can be a beautiful garnish.

Coconut Semolina Pudding:

Substitute a portion of the milk with coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and a hint of coconut flavour.

Honey and Nut Semolina Pudding:

Drizzle honey over the top of your semolina pudding for a sweet, floral touch. Sprinkle crushed nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a delightful crunch.

Cooking with semolina is exciting, whether you've tried it before or not. If you haven’t tried it, consider this a sign for you to do so. It doesn't matter if you're making sweet puddings, fresh pasta, or creating delicious swallows; this ingredient will unlock a different type of culinary experience. Imagine adding “I made pasta from scratch” or “I made semolina swallow” to your bragging rights. All it takes are the simple basics and ingredients mentioned above, and voila, you’ve done it.

Quality semolina is now available at our store, so don’t hesitate and unlock that inner chef in you. Will you be trying any of these recipes? Let us know in the comments, and a review of how your cooking experience went will be a delight.