Gofio is a traditional food from the Canary Islands. It is consumed throughout the islands. For centuries, it was one of the staple foods of the Canarian population.
It consists of a flour made from toasted cereals, such as wheat or corn, which are then ground finely. This toasted touch sets it apart from other flours.
Nowadays you can also find gofio made from spelt, barley, soy, quinoa, oats… and a mixture of various types of cereals.
It is a very versatile, nutritious and economical product. It is an essential part of Canarian culinary culture, although it is also consumed in other places in Latin America and West Africa, due to the influence of Canarian emigration.
Main uses of gofio
It is used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Some of the most common uses are:
- mixed with milk, for breakfast.
- in soups and stews, to thicken and enrich the dish.
- accompanying fish and cheeses.
- as a base for desserts
- kneaded, in the form of balls, with honey.
Where to buy gofio?
Gofio is sold packaged in most markets and supermarkets in Tenerife.
You can also buy it freshly made in one of the few gofio mills left on the island, such as:
- Gofio La Molineta (La Laguna) – location – web site
- Molino de Gofio La Salud (S/C de Tenerife) – location
- Molino de Gofio El Sauzal (El Sauzal) – location
- Molino de Gofio Agua García (Tacoronte) – location
- Molino de Gofio Las Mercedes (La Laguna) – location
- Molino Gofio Raúl (Tejina) – location
- Molino de Gofio La Máquina (La Orotava) – location
- Molino de Gofio Mesa (Los Realejos) – location
- Molino de Gofio El Amparo (Icod de los Vinos) – location
- Gofio El Palmar (El Palmar) – location
- Molino de Gofio de Granadilla (Granadilla) – location
Traditional dishes and recipes with gofio
Gofio escaldon
Gofio is a mixture of hot meat or fish broth. It is served with raw onion, mojo sauce or parsley. Sometimes it is accompanied by fresh cheese cut into small cubes.
It is ideal as an accompaniment to main dishes or as a starter.
It is common to find it in guachinches, typical and inexpensive Canarian food establishments.
Vegetable stew with gofio
Gofio is sprinkled or mixed directly with the stew to thicken it.
It is usually used in watercress stews (typical of the island of La Gomera) or vegetables in general, as well as in creams.
Gofio pellet (kneaded gofio)
Gofio is mixed with water, salt and honey, or even some broth. It is kneaded and moulded into a cylinder until it forms a compact dough.
It is served as an accompaniment to fish, cheese or even meat dishes. Or even to chop cheeses and have a snack.
Gofio mousse
Creamy dessert made with gofio, whipped cream, sugar and sometimes honey.
It is served in individual glasses, decorated with hazelnuts, almonds or figs, and a little palm honey.
Gofio quesillo
Quesillo is a very popular flan variant in Tenerife. When making quesillo, gofio can be added to the mixture to give it a unique flavour.
It is a homemade dessert widely sold in guachinches and Canarian food restaurants.
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