Brukina (burkina) is a Ghanaian drink of tiny steamed fermented-millet balls suspended in cold, lightly sweetened fermented milk — a refreshing, slightly chewy, probiotic-rich beverage-meal sold widely in Accra.
Brukina is a popular Accra street and home refreshment, originally carried into Ghana from the Burkinabè north. It belongs to the West African fermented-millet-and-milk family alongside fura da nono — the savanna's probiotic tradition.
Brukina pairs two fermented foods: probiotic-rich cultured milk and fermented millet. The millet contributes magnesium, iron, B-vitamins, and fiber while its fermentation lowers the glycemic load and boosts mineral absorption; the fermented milk adds calcium, protein, and live cultures, and fermentation reduces lactose — making it more tolerable for the many Black Americans with lactose intolerance. Together it is a gut-supporting, bone-supporting, protein-and-mineral-rich drink-meal. The chief caveat is the sweetened milk; unsweetened it is excellent.
Steam tiny fermented-millet dough granules (couscous-like) and chill. Combine with cold fermented/cultured milk, sweetening lightly. Serve cold; the millet grains float in the milk and are eaten with the drink.
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