Tigernut Pudding

Tigernut pudding, also known as a variation of “tigernut pap,” is a rich, creamy dessert popular in Ghana and now gaining love across West Africa. It’s made primarily with blended tigernuts and rice, resulting in a naturally sweet, dairy-free pudding. This recipe not only highlights the authentic flavors of tigernuts but also shows you how to make the most of every ingredient—right down to the pulp!

What You’ll Need

• 3 cups tigernuts (fresh or dried)
• 1 cup rice (any type, e.g., basmati)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Salt (a pinch)
• Vanilla essence (1 tsp)
• Banana flavoring (1 tsp) – optional
• Water (for blending)
• Optional toppings: coconut flakes, dried fruits, evaporated milk

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with natural sweetness and nutrition
• Perfect as a dessert, breakfast, or snack
• Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free
• Uses minimal ingredients and is easy to prepare
• Comes with a zero-waste bonus: you can use the leftover pulp to make swallow (fufu)

Make-Ahead Tips

• Soak the tigernuts and rice the night before to reduce prep time.
• The pudding can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

How to Make Tigernut Pudding

Step 1: Soak the Tigernuts & Rice

Place the tigernuts and rice in separate bowls and soak overnight.
If you’re short on time, a 2-hour soak works in a pinch.

Step 2: Rinse & Blend

Drain and rinse both ingredients. Blend together with water until smooth.

Pro Tip: Blend in batches if using a home blender and repeat blending to get the smoothest consistency.

Step 3: Strain the Milk

Using a nut milk bag or chiffon cloth, strain out the milk into a bowl.

Step 4: Caramelize the Sugar

In a small pot over low heat, add sugar and let it melt into a caramel. Add a splash of water to stop it from hardening, then set aside.

Pro Tip: Caramelizing the sugar gives the pudding a richer color and depth of flavor.

Step 5: Cook the Tigernut Milk

In a clean pot, pour in the strained tigernut-rice milk. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens (about 10–12 minutes).

Pro Tip: Stir constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a creamy texture.

Step 6: Add Salt & Flavoring

Add a pinch of salt, then stir in the vanilla and banana flavoring.

Mix well for 1–2 more minutes. You can use one or both flavors.

Step 7: Mix in Caramel

Pour in the caramelized sugar and stir well until the pudding turns golden brown and everything is fully incorporated.

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot or warm. Add your favorite toppings like coconut flakes, raisins, or evaporated milk.

Pro Tip: Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in a microwave when ready to enjoy again.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with a drizzle of evaporated milk
• Top with dried fruit or coconut flakes for texture
• Chill and enjoy as a cold pudding dessert

Variations

• Replace banana flavoring with cinnamon for a spiced version
• Use honey or dates as a natural sweetener instead of sugar
• Add a dash of nutmeg for a deeper flavor profile

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and tasting this delicious Tigernut Pudding as much as I do! If you try the recipe, please come back and leave a comment to share how it turned out. Your feedback means a lot and helps me improve future recipes. Don’t forget to give this recipe a rating — it really helps others find it too. Happy cooking and see you in the next one!