Chef notes
The strength and stamina required to make fufu from scratch could put it in to an Olympic sporting category! My uncle told me that a university in Accra tried to build a fufu-making machine but to operate it to replicate the pounding action was more hard work than just doing the action manually.
It takes a lot of practice to be perfect at it, despite the ease of the recipe itself. It is very much about technique and elbow grease. However, the flavor will be phenomenal no matter the texture you end up with. Don't be defeated on your first attempt; by the third or fourth time, you'll have a perfect ball of fufu magic.
If you ever get the chance to make it from scratch, I do recommend having a go, but all-hail packet fufu for a simpler life!
Preparation
To make packet fufu:
Put the flour in a small saucepan, mix in half of the measured water and stir into a thick paste.
Place the pan over a low heat and slowly add the rest of the water, stirring continuously and smoothing out any lumps with the back of a wooden spoon (the low heat will absorb the last of the moisture).
To make homemade fufu:
1.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2.
Peel and dice plantain and cassava. (Be careful peeling the cassava: If you need help, watch a tutorial online on how to cut cassava.) Dice evenly into 1-inch squares for even cooking and combining.
3.
Parboil these ingredients until just fork-tender, about 20 to 30 minutes, over medium-low heat.
4.
Drain the water from the pot and place the hot cassava and plantain into a blender and gently begin blending the two together, very gradually adding a few tablespoons of water at a time. The starch will release and the dough will become sticky. Be super careful here so as not to over-work the mixture or add too much water (once it's in, you can't take it out!).
5.
Once blended into a coarse, grainy mixture, using a tamper blender (one that includes a plastic blender-safe stick) slowly blend and pound the mixture until it's as smooth as your blender will make it. You should still be adding a little bit of water, if needed.
6.
Once blended until smooth, add the uncooked fufu batter into a small saucepan. Place on medium-low heat. Roll up your sleeves for the next part.
7.
As soon as you light the flame, you must start vigorously and continuously stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to bind together, about 5 to 7 minutes. If you see any lumps, firmly press and pound through the dough with the back of wooden spoon against the side of the pot to break down any lumps.
8.
Once it's well-combined and reaches a smooth consistency, remove from heat and place into a bowl.
9.
Divide into two portions, place into serving bowls and serve with your favorite soups or stews over the top or to eat on the side.
Reprinted from Zoe's Ghana Kitchen by Zoe Adjonyoh, published by Mitchell Beazley. Copyright © 2017.
FAQs
In Nigeria, fufu (akpu) is made solely from fermented cassava giving it its unique thickness compared to that found in other west African countries. It is eaten with a variety of soups with vegetables and lots of beef and fish.
What is the best side dish for fufu? ›
Delicious Soups And Stews That Goes With Fufu
- Amala - Nigerian Food.
- YAM | TRUE YAM | AFRICAN YAM.
- Okro pepper soup.
- Ewedu - Jute Leaves Soup.
- 60+ Nigerian Recipes You Need To Try.
- Gbegiri Soup - Delicious West African Bean Soup.
- Ogbono Soup.
- Best Egusi Soup.
It consists of starchy foods—such as cassava, yams, or plantains—that have been boiled, pounded, and rounded into balls; the pounding process, which typically involves a mortar and pestle, can be laborious. Fufu is often dipped into sauces or eaten with stews of meat, fish, or vegetables.
Can you eat fufu with anything? ›
What to eat with fufu. Fufu is usually eaten with African soups and stews, which include ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, okra, peanut butter, palm oil, ground-up melon seeds or sweet potato leaves.
Is fufu supposed to be swallowed? ›
The traditional method of eating fufu is to wash your hands then take a marble sized ball of fufu in the right hand. You then dip the ball in the soup you are eating; swallow the fufu whole. You are not supposed to chew fufu since it is generally frowned upon.
What is fufu called in English? ›
Fufu (pounded yam or cassava) is a food dish which first came from West Africa, but is enjoyed by many people across the world. Its taste somewhat resembles that of mashed potatoes with butter.
Is fufu a junk food? ›
Fufu is a low-cholesterol, fiber-rich, potassium-resistant, starch-rich food that promotes digestive health, reduces inflammation, and contains vitamins C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. It also contains vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, making it a versatile carb source.
Is fufu healthy? ›
Fufu is a good source of fibre, which improves the function of your digestive system. If you are a diabetic, you should eat a lot of fufu because it also helps reduce blood sugar levels. The fibre in fufu lowers inflammation and high blood pressure.
Can I eat fufu everyday? ›
There is good news for people who eat popular African food, fufu every day. According to Dr Nana Atta Owireku Jnr, it is good to eat fufu everyday but lovers must ensure they drink a lot of soup, eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables.
Are you supposed to chew fufu and egusi soup? ›
Culturally, it's believed to be swallowed. The fufu is super warm and soft and it melts in the mouth.
Depending on the specific ingredients used, fufu and the accompanying soup can be excellent sources of important vitamins and minerals. Cassava, a common fufu ingredient, is high in vitamin C, thiamin, and manganese. Plantains provide vitamin A, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
How do you eat fufu traditionally? ›
They are starchy ingredients (but not bread as though it may look like it) that, after cooking, they are rolled into balls, traditionally served soups in which they are dipped in and swallowed.
What is the etiquette for fufu? ›
Serving and Eating Etiquette
Using your right hand, you tear a small piece of fufu, shape it into a ball, make an indentation with your thumb, and scoop up the soup or stew. This method of eating enhances the communal dining experience and fosters a sense of unity.
