Fufu is an African-style dumpling prepared using cassava (also known as yuca) and plantains. It is typically eaten with your hands and dipped into soups or stews.
It is most popular in the countries of Western and Central Africa including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, the CAR, Togo, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, the Congo, the DRC, Guinea, Benin, Gabon, Angola, and Liberia.
People from different countries add different ingredients to make fufu more flavorful. Some of them include olive oil, salt, pepper, and even garlic. Often, it is then stuffed with chicharron (fried pork belly).
Origin & Cultural Significance
Fufu (also spelled “fufuo”) translates to “white” in Twi. It is believed to have been invented in Ghana, where it is also considered a staple.
Depending on the country it is made in, there are many different variations of Fufu. The dish has a simple flavor and is known for its health benefits. It not only contains very little cholesterol but is also packed with potassium.
Authentic African Fufu Recipe
Fufu is an African-style dumpling prepared using cassava (also known as yuca) and plantains. It is typically eaten with your hands and dipped into soups or stews.
Ingredients
- Cassava root - 1
- Green plantain - 1
- Water - ¼ cup
Instructions
For the batter
- Begin by peeling the cassava. Once done, cut the tuber in half, lengthwise.
- Get rid of the wooden core present inside and cut the cassava into small cubes.
- Next, take the plantain and peel it. Cut it into small cubes.
- It’s time to take a blender and throw the diced cassava and plantain cubes in it. Allow the ingredients to blend until you obtain a smooth batter.
Using the stovetop method
- Now, take a pot and transfer the prepared batter into it.
- Next, place the pot on the stovetop and allow the batter to cook over a medium flame. It’s important to keep stirring until you obtain a thick, doughy fufu.
- Pour a little bit of water in the pot and let the mixture cook on a low to medium flame. Make sure you cover the pot. This should take you about 5 minutes.
- You can let the mixture cook a little longer if the fufu seems uncooked after 5 minutes. However, remember to stir well.
- Once done, separate the fufu into different sizes and cover each piece with plastic wrap, and you are done.
- Serve with a soup or stew of your preference.
Using the microwave method
- For the microwave method, begin by taking a microwave-safe bowl and adding the batter into it. Place a microwave-safe lid on top.
- Keep the bowl in the microwave for about 5 minutes.
- Make sure you stir properly until a smooth paste is obtained.
- Add a little bit of water and place the bowl inside the microwave again to allow it to cook completely. This should take you about 5 to 8 minutes.
- After 8 minutes, mix the dough again and separate it into different sizes. Cover each piece with plastic wrap, and there you have it. Your fufu is ready to be consumed.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 152Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 11mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g