Tuwon Dawa (Nigerian Sorghum Swallow) finished dish
Everyday meals · Nigeria

Tuwon Dawa (Nigerian Sorghum Swallow)

Tuwon dawa is a traditional Nigerian swallow dish made from sorghum flour. Common in the northern regions of Nigeria, it has a distinctive brown color and is rich in nutrients. It pairs especially well with draw soups like miyan kuka or okra soup, but it can also be served with other types of Nigerian soups.

EST. TOTAL TIME40 min
DIFFICULTYMedium
SERVESSee recipe

Time and difficulty are editorial estimates; allow extra time for your equipment and experience.

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What you’ll need

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Let’s make it

  1. Step 1

    If using whole sorghum, wash the grains thoroughly and spread them out to dry completely, covering them to keep out dust and debris. Grind or pound the dried grains into a fine powder. Sieve to remove any chaff.

  2. Step 2

    In a pot, bring 3–4 cups of water to a boil.

  3. Step 3

    Mix some of the sorghum flour with a small amount of water to form a smooth, semi-thick batter.

  4. Step 4

    Gradually stir the batter into the boiling water, mixing continuously to avoid lumps.

  5. Step 5

    Add potash, and stir well. Allow to cook on medium heat, stirring regularly, until the mixture thickens.

  6. Step 6

    For a firmer tuwo, add more sorghum flour directly and stir vigorously until it reaches the desired consistency.

  7. Step 7

    Once cooked, mold and serve hot with soup.

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