Fufu (Plantain and Cassava)
Fufu is a staple West African dish made by pounding starchy ingredients into a smooth, dough-like consistency. This version combines ripe plantains and cassava, creating a slightly sweet and dense accompaniment perfect for soaking up rich stews and sauces.
🧂 Ingredients
- 5 medium Ripe plantains(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 3 medium Cassava(peeled, de-stringed, and cut into chunks)
- 1.5 - 2 cups Water(for blending, adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil the cassava chunks in water until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Boil the plantain chunks in water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 3
In a blender, combine the cooked cassava, cooked plantains, and 1.5 cups of water. Blend until a smooth, thick paste forms. Add more water, a little at a time, if needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
- 4
Transfer the paste to a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir constantly with a sturdy wooden spoon for about 8-10 minutes, until it thickens and any lumps are removed.
- 5
Add the remaining 1/2 cup of water and the salt. Continue stirring and cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the fufu is firm and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- 6
Transfer the fufu to a serving bowl. To prevent a skin from forming, you can lightly wet the surface with a teaspoon of water. Serve warm with your favorite Ivorian soup or stew.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure cassava is properly de-stringed to avoid a fibrous texture.
- ✓The consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less water during blending and cooking.
- ✓Traditionally, fufu is pounded in a mortar and pestle, but a blender and saucepan method is a convenient alternative.
🔄 Variations
- Can be made with only cassava or only plantains.
- Sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for plantains or cassava.