Conakry Dèguè

Conakry Dèguè is a chilled West African dessert rooted in the Guinean capital’s vibrant food culture, where coastal breezes meet Sahelian grains in bowls sold at markets, family tables, and festive gatherings. The base is tender pearls of hand-rolled millet couscous gently folded into a luxuriously tangy dairy mixture anchored by plain yogurt. Sweetness and spice lend warmth and perfume, while optional mix-ins add pops of texture. In Conakry, this cooling treat is a staple for hot afternoons and celebratory nights alike—refreshing, satisfying, and pleasantly nostalgic.

Ingredients

• 2 cups millet couscous
• 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2–3 tablespoons sugar, to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (optional)
• About 2 cups water (for soaking/steaming as needed)

Preparation

1. Hydrate the grains: Place the millet couscous in a wide bowl and lightly sprinkle with a little water to moisten. Pour enough hot water to just cover. Cover the bowl and let the grains absorb the liquid for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork to separate.
2. Make the creamy base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk until smooth. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon, whisking until fully dissolved and aromatic.
3. Combine: When the millet couscous is cool and fluffy, fold it into the creamy mixture until every grain is coated. Stir in the raisins and desiccated coconut, if using.
4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate until cold and lightly thickened, at least 1 hour, stirring once midway for even cooling.
5. Serve: Spoon into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of extra raisins or a dusting of desiccated coconut for texture.

How to Enjoy

Serve Conakry Dèguè well-chilled so the aromas of vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon bloom as the creamy grains melt on the palate. Adjust sweetness with a touch more sugar if desired, or balance richness by folding in a spoonful of extra plain yogurt. For added contrast, scatter more raisins or a pinch of desiccated coconut on top just before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before scooping so the millet couscous stays evenly suspended in the creamy base.