🇧🇯 Beninese Cuisine

Amiwo

Tomato Corn Porridge

Prep Time 15 min

Servings 6

Difficulty Medium

Calories 382 kcal

A smooth, vibrant red cornmeal porridge cooked in a rich tomato and pepper sauce. Amiwo is one of Benin's most iconic comfort foods, served alongside grilled chicken or fried fish.

Ingredients

2 cups cornmeal
4 large tomatoes blended
1 onion chopped
2 red bell peppers blended
3 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup palm oil
1 scotch bonnet pepper
salt to taste
3 cups water

Instructions

1 Blend tomatoes and red peppers into a smooth puree.
2 Heat palm oil in a pot, saute onion until soft, add tomato paste and cook 3 minutes.
3 Add blended tomato-pepper mixture and simmer 15 minutes until thickened.
4 Gradually stir in cornmeal while pouring in water to prevent lumps.
5 Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, for 20 minutes until thick and smooth.

Did You Know?

Amiwo is the festive dish of southern Benin, always present at naming ceremonies, weddings, and holiday celebrations.