Fufu is a doughy staple food in West and Central Africa that grabbed the attention of people all over the world on the internet recently for its fascinating texture. It appears to be raw dough, but the staple food is actually far from it. The dish has deep historical roots in West Africa and is traditionally eaten with soups and stews. Let’s take a deep dive into this fascinating African dish.
This unique dish has roots in African, going back to the 16th century. “Fufu” originates from teh Twi language of Ghana, translating to “mash” or “mix”. But pounding starchy foods is a tradition shared across many West African countries. Still today, it is a culturally significant dish representing community and hospitality as it is most often enjoyed “family-style” around a dish of stew or soup.
So, what exactly is Fufu? While it may appear to be dough, this dish is actually made from starchy vegetables — namely, cassava, yaca root, yams, or plantains. The process typically involves boiling the vegetables and then pounding them with a mortar until they turn into a dough-like consistency. The type of vegetables used varies by region and family tradition. The final texture is elastic and slightly sticky. Those unfamiliar may compare it to firmer mashed potatoes or a dough ball.
Fufu itself is quite bland, with little flavor. But the dish is typically served alongside flavorful stews and soups to soak up all of the flavorful spices and ingredients. It takes on the taste of what it is served with. Interestingly, fufu is traditionally eaten by hand. You pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and then dip it into your stew or soup to soak in all of those flavors.
West African stews typically contain staple ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, and okra. Prominent spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne peppers are commonly used to add depth to the flavor. Fufu absorbs all of these tasty ingredients, making it the perfect side to a vibrant dish.
If you’re thinking about making your own fufu at home, be sure to find a great soup or stew recipe to go with it and experience it to its fullest. If you are lucky enough to take a trip to West Africa, be sure to order this and ask about its unique properties. Families are usually happy to share their traditions and unique takes on the staple dish.
