Foufou with Gombo Sauce
Foufou, a staple starch made from pounded cassava or cornmeal, serves as the perfect vehicle for the rich and flavorful Gombo (okra) sauce. This sauce, a cornerstone of Central African cuisine, is simmered with tender meat or fish, tomatoes, and onions, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Foufou flour (cassava or cornmeal)
- 4 cups Water(divided for foufou and sauce)
- 500 g Beef or goat meat, cubed
- 2 tbsp Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions, chopped
- 3 medium Tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 450 g Okra, sliced
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 Chili pepper (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the foufou: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the foufou flour with 1 cup of cold water to form a smooth paste. Gradually add this paste to the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes, gradually adding the remaining 1 cup of foufou flour as the mixture thickens. Continue stirring until it pulls away from the sides of the pot. Turn onto a lightly greased bowl and shape into a smooth ball with wet hands. Keep warm.
- 2
Prepare the Gombo sauce: In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the cubed meat and brown on all sides. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the sliced okra and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.
- 4
Pour in the remaining 1 cup of water (or broth). Season with salt, black pepper, and chili pepper (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the okra is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- 5
Serve the Gombo sauce hot with the prepared foufou.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter.
- ✓If you don't have palm oil, vegetable oil is a suitable alternative.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your preferred level of heat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute beef or goat meat with fish (like Nile perch or tilapia) or chicken.
- Use pre-made foufou flour for a quicker preparation.