What Is Fufu And How Do You Make It?
Despite fufu gaining recent popularity on Tik Tok, the chewy West African side dish, often served with soup, has been around since the 16th century (via TODAY). According to OkayAfrica, fufu is believed to have originated in Ghana and comes in many variations, tastes, and textures that celebrate a wide-variety of regional flavors. The outlet also shared that fufu is not only eaten throughout the West African region but also enjoyed in countries like Haiti and Jamaica.
In order to make fufu, OkayAfrica shared that the dish is commonly made by pounding starchy foods together like cassava, yams, or plantains with hot water. Considering there are different ways to re-create this dish, you'll have to first figure out what kind of taste you're going for. For a lighter alternative, plantain fufu might be your best bet. In a YouTube video by Yummieliciouz Food Recipes, only two unripe (green) plantains and two cups of water are required to help you make your own version of fresh fufu.
Plantain fufu is a lighter alternative with health benefits
From there, there are just a few simple steps that take less than 30 minutes altogether. First, the video shows that you'll need to slice the plantains in half and chop into small pieces. Once you've finished chopping, transfer the pieces into a blender, add the two cups of water, and bring to a smooth consistency. You'll then gently lower the blended plantains into a pot over medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon. As the mixture starts to get thicker, make sure you're breaking down any noticeable lumps. After cooking for 15 minutes, cover with a lid and allow to steam for two minutes.
Next up, transfer the now fufu mixture into a wet glass bowl and cool for at least three minutes. And guess what, you're nearly finished! Take the fufu out of the bowl and place it onto a plate to serve with your soup of choice.
This plantain fufu recipe is not only easy, but it's high in potassium, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C, according to Yummieliciouz Food Recipes. Packed with healthy benefits and a unique texture, fufu should be your next lunch or weeknight dinner attempt.