Creamy Chura Gerteh – A Traditional Nutty Rice Porridge with Yogurt and Fruit

Introduction

Chura Gerteh is one of those traditional Gambian breakfasts I enjoy making when I want something warm and filling. It’s made with peanuts and rice, blended together and cooked slowly until the mixture thickens into a smooth porridge.

For this version, I also prepare a simple topping with yoghurt, banana, and fresh fruit. I like the combination of warm porridge and cool yoghurt, especially with the natural sweetness of the fruit.

It’s a lovely way to start the morning, and you can adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.

💜 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chura Gerteh is a lovely way to enjoy a traditional Gambian breakfast, especially when you want something warm and filling.

• Everyday ingredients: Made with peanuts, rice, milk and water.
• Creamy texture: Slowly simmered until the porridge thickens.
• Fresh topping: Banana and yoghurt complement the warm porridge.
• Adjustable sweetness: Add as much or as little sugar as you prefer.

🥣 What You’ll Need

🌾 For the Porridge

• 1 cup peanuts
• 1 cup rice
• 3 cups water, divided between blending and cooking
• 1 cup milk

🍌 For the Fruit & Yoghurt Topping

• ½ cup plain yoghurt
• 1 ripe banana
• Chopped fresh fruit, such as apple or mango (optional)
• 2–3 tbsp sugar, or to taste

Blend the Peanuts and Rice

Place 1 cup of peanuts and 1 cup of rice into a blender. Gradually add water and blend until you have a smooth mixture.

Make sure the peanuts and rice are well blended, with no large pieces remaining. Your mixture is now ready to cook into Chura Gerteh.

Cook the Chura Gerteh

Bring some water to a boil in a saucepan, then slowly pour in the blended peanut and rice mixture, stirring as you go.

Reduce to a medium-low heat and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the porridge from sticking to the bottom.

As it cooks, the mixture will gradually thicken into a creamy porridge.

Add the Milk

Once the Chura Gerteh has thickened, pour in 1 cup of milk and stir well to combine.

Leave it to simmer over a low heat for another 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the milk is fully mixed in and the porridge has a smooth, creamy consistency.

Prepare the Fruit and Yoghurt Topping

Mash 1 ripe banana in a bowl, then add ½ cup of plain yoghurt and 2–3 tablespoons of sugar, adjusting the sweetness to your taste.

Stir everything together, then gently mix in your chopped fresh fruit. Set aside until you’re ready to serve the Chura Gerteh.

Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the warm Chura Gerteh into a serving bowl and add a generous helping of the banana and yoghurt mixture on top.

You can gently mix the topping into the porridge or enjoy the two together as you eat. Serve while the porridge is still warm for a comforting breakfast.

💛 Love creamy breakfasts? Then you’ll enjoy my Breakfast Recipe Collection — perfect for slow, cozy mornings!

🍳 Or how about something quick and savory? Try my Cheesy Omelette with Tomatoes & Onions — it’s fluffy, flavorful, and ready in minutes!