Chakery

Name: Chakery
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Gambian
Ingredients: 2 cups couscous; 1 can sweetened condensed milk; 2 cups vanilla yogurt; 1 cup fresh cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp nutmeg; 1 cup pineapple, diced; 1 cup raisins; 3 tbsp sugar; Pinch of salt

Chakery (CHAH-keh-ree)

Sweet Couscous Pudding

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 314 kcal

A chilled dessert of millet or wheat couscous mixed with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla yogurt, nutmeg, and pineapple, served cold as a party treat.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 8.0g

Carbs 48.0g

Fat 10.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy ⚠ gluten

Equipment Needed

large mixing bowl steamer refrigerator

Presentation Guide

Vessel: glass cups or dessert bowls

Garnishes: nutmeg sprinkle, pineapple chunk

Accompaniments: none

Ingredients

2 cups couscous
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups vanilla yogurt
1 cup fresh cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp nutmeg
1 cup pineapple, diced
1 cup raisins
3 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1
Steam couscous until fluffy, about fifteen minutes. Spread on a tray to cool completely.
2
In a large bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk, yogurt, cream, vanilla, and nutmeg until smooth.
3
Add the cooled couscous to the cream mixture. Stir until all grains are evenly coated.
4
Fold in diced pineapple, raisins, and sugar. Mix gently.
5
Refrigerate for at least two hours until well chilled.
6
Serve cold in cups or bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

💡

Did You Know?

No Gambian naming ceremony, wedding, or birthday party is complete without a massive bowl of chakery, and guests often take containers home to enjoy later.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large mixing bowl
steamer
refrigerator

Garnishing

nutmeg sprinkle, pineapple chunk

Accompaniments

none

The Story Behind Chakery

Chakery is The Gambia's most popular dessert and a symbol of celebration and generosity. This chilled couscous pudding is a relatively modern creation that brilliantly combines traditional Senegambian couscous preparation with imported ingredients like condensed milk and vanilla. The dish became widespread in the late twentieth century as these ingredients became more available, and quickly became the defining sweet dish of Gambian celebrations. Making chakery in large quantities for parties is a point of pride.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed celebrations, parties, after meals 📜 Origins: Modern Senegambian

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