Foutou Banan (Plantain and Yam Mash)
A staple in Malian cuisine, Foutou Banan is a delicious and filling dish made from pounded plantains and yams. It has a unique texture and is typically served as a base for various sauces and stews.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Ripe plantains(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 500 g Yams(peeled and cut into chunks)
- as needed Water
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil(optional, for richness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the yam chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt.
💡 Tip: Ensure yams are fully submerged. - 2
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
While the yams are cooking, place the plantain chunks in a separate pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt.
💡 Tip: Use ripe plantains (yellow with black spots) for sweetness. - 4
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the plantains are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Drain the cooked yams and plantains thoroughly. Return them to their respective pots or a large bowl.
💡 Tip: Draining well is crucial for the right consistency. - 6
Using a sturdy mortar and pestle, begin pounding the yams until smooth and mashed. Gradually add the cooked plantains and continue pounding, alternating between yams and plantains, until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
💡 Tip: This is the most labor-intensive part. You can also use a potato masher or food processor, but the traditional pounded texture is unique. - 7
If desired, incorporate the butter or oil and continue pounding until evenly distributed.
- 8
Season with salt to taste. The foutou should be firm but pliable.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust salt as needed. - 9
Shape the foutou into a ball or serve in portions. It is traditionally served warm with a flavorful sauce or stew.
💡 Tip: To keep it warm, you can wrap it in banana leaves or a clean cloth.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The ripeness of the plantains significantly affects the sweetness and texture.
- ✓Pounding can be strenuous; take breaks if needed. A food processor can be used for a quicker, though less traditional, result.
- ✓Foutou Banan is best served immediately after preparation.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a small amount of cassava flour for added structure.
- Can be served with various Malian sauces like peanut sauce, tomato-based stews, or okra sauce.
- A touch of honey can be added for extra sweetness if using less ripe plantains.