Recipe : The Ivorian Fufu

Head to West Africa, to discover one of the emblematic dishes of the Ivory Coast : the Fufu ! Whether it is made of cassava, plantain, or potatoes, this tasty dish is a must-try with a light salad, a chicken soup, or a sauce, depending on your tastes.

Bon Appétit !

 

Ingredients

(For 4 people)

 

• 300g (10.5 oz) unpeeled plantain
•  460g (16 oz) cassava)
•  350-450 ml (1 ½ cup to 2 cups – 1 tbsp) water for blending
•  50 ml (3 tbsp+ 1 tsp) water for steaming

If you need help converting the units: Kitchen Calculator 

How to do the Fufu ?

1. Peel the plantain and cut it into cubes. Peel and scrape the cassava, de-string it and also cut into cubs.

 

2. Place the cassava and plantain into the blender. Add water: for now, use 350 ml if you want fufu to be firmer, or 450 ml if you prefer it softer.

 

3. Turn the blender on and process the ingredients into a smooth paste.

 
4. Heat the paste in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spatula for 8 to 10 minutes to remove any lumps.

 
5. Add the remaining 50 ml of water to the mixture. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a lid and steam for another 8 to 10 minutes.

 
6. Increase the heat to medium setting and stir. The fufu might look too soft, but it will become firmer as it cools down.

 
7. Transfer the fufu into a bowl and sprinkle one teaspoon of water on the surface to prevent forming a film. Let it cool completely.

 
8. Shape fufu into a ball and serve with soup or stew of your choice.

 Et voilà, c'est prêt !

Tips : You can replace the cassava and the plantain by sweet potatoes, peppers, or both!

 

Did you know it ?

In Western and Central African cooking, Fufu holds the same position as mashed potatoes do in traditional American and European cuisine. It is served with all kinds of soups, stews, and sauces. Also, apart from the ingredients mentioned earlier, Fufu can be prepared with cocoyams, cassava flour, maize, or rice.


To learn more about Ivorian food : https://www.afsf.com/blog/bcook/the-secrets-of-ivoirian-gastronomy/ 

Interested in Ivorian culture ? it's right here : https://www.afsf.com/blog/bculture/zouglou-from-ivorian-folklore-to-politically-committed-variety/ 

Source : https://cheflolaskitchen.com/fufu-recipe-how-to-make-fufu/