Steamed Millet Couscous with Spiced Peanut and Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-20 · Updated 2026-06-20

Light and fluffy millet couscous steamed to perfection and served with a rich, spicy peanut and tomato sauce, a staple combination in Senegalese cuisine. This African-inspired rice and grain recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs millet couscous, water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 cups millet couscous
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
• 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup water or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups millet couscous under cold water then place it in a large heatproof bowl. Bring 2 cups water with 1 tsp salt to a boil, pour over the couscous, cover tightly, and let steam for 15 minutes until the millet absorbs the water and becomes fluffy.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 3 diced ripe tomatoes, 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
4. Step 4: Lower heat and whisk in 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, gradually adding 1 cup water or vegetable broth to achieve a creamy sauce consistency. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to meld flavors.
5. Step 5: Fluff the millet couscous with a fork and serve topped with the warm spiced peanut and tomato sauce. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.