How to Make Fufu: Traditional Nigerian Recipe & Step-by-Step Instructions

Fufu: Introduction, Recipe, and Instructions

Introduction

Fufu is a staple food in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, Ghana, and other parts of the region. It is a starchy, dough-like food made by boiling and pounding fermented cassava, plantains, yams, or cocoyams into a smooth, stretchy consistency. Fufu is often eaten with a variety of soups such as Egusi, Ogbono, Okra, or Afang soup. Traditionally, fufu is swallowed rather than chewed and serves as a filling, energy-rich accompaniment to flavorful soups.

Recipe for Fufu (Using Cassava Flour or Fresh Cassava Tubers)

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cassava flour (or fresh cassava tubers)
2. 3-4 cups water

Instructions (Using Cassava Flour – Quick Method)

1. Boil the Water:
   • In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Add the Cassava Flour Gradually:
   • Slowly pour the cassava flour into the hot water while stirring continuously with a wooden spatula (or fufu stick).
3. Mix and Stir:
   • Keep stirring vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. If the fufu is too thick, add a little hot water and continue stirring.
4. Cook Until Smooth:
   • Continue to stir and fold the fufu for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes stretchy, smooth, and slightly glossy.
5. Shape and Serve:
   • Once cooked, remove from heat and scoop portions into a bowl lined with plastic wrap. Shape into small round mounds and serve hot with your favorite Nigerian soup.

Instructions (Using Fresh Cassava – Traditional Method)

1. Peel and Soak the Cassava:
   • Peel fresh cassava tubers, cut them into chunks, and soak them in water for 3-4 days to ferment.
2. Blend and Strain:
   • After fermentation, drain the cassava and blend it with a little water until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove excess water, leaving behind a soft cassava paste.
3. Cook the Paste:
   • Place the cassava paste in a pot over medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spatula, similar to the quick method, until it thickens and becomes stretchy.
4. Shape and Serve:
   • Once ready, portion the fufu into serving sizes and pair it with your preferred Nigerian soup.

How to Eat Fufu

Fufu is traditionally eaten by hand. Pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and dip it into soup before swallowing. It is not chewed but rather swallowed with the soup to enjoy its full flavor.