Food: Fufu African Food You Should Try

Fufu

Fufu is a kind of food similar to dough found in West African cuisine. Apart from Ghana, it is also found in other African countries like Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Cote D’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Angola and Gabon.

Fufu African Food is generally prepared the traditional way, that is the Ghanaian, Ivorian, Liberian or Cuban way of mashing (pounding) equal amounts of boiled cassava with green plantain or cocoyam. Though there is another method where you obtain already mixed plantain and cassava powder and make it in a pot on the fire. By far the easiest way to prepare this dish. This is a product called Neat Fufu (it may have other names). normally packaged in a box and comes in a powdery form, where your job is to just stir it over boiling water till it forms together…without lumps

How Do You Eat Fufu?

Fufu is generally eaten with the fingers. It has this sticky texture and is best eaten with the fingers. People that find this unusual can eat it with a spoon. However, most natives prefer to eat it the traditional way.

What Does Fufu Go With

Fufu can be eaten with anything these days. People are always willing to do weird things like eating Fufu with Ground Red pepper. but we won’t judge.

The most common accompaniment of fufu is light soup, palm nut soup, or groundnut soup. The soup normally eaten with Fufu is quite thick and rich in flavour, accompanied by all kinds of meat or fish. The best way to enjoy it. According to most people. However, we have discovered Mussels actually taste good in Palmnut soup with fufu. Try it when you get the chance.

Variations of Fufu African Food

Fufu is fufu and nothing can change that. However, there are different variations depending on how you make it. Below are some, but not all. Variations of Fufu African Food and what they look like.

Ghana Fufu

Ghana Fufu is said to have originated from the Asante, Akuapem, Guans, Akyem, Bono and Fante people of the Akan ethnic group of Ghana and now spread to all parts of the country. Ghanaians specifically make it out of boiled cassava and green plantains (Unripe ones), sometimes cocoyam may be used instead. Making fufu is another process which will be explained in another post later on.

However there are machines that have been made specifically for making fufu. The public opinion on these machines is quite different, with most people preferring the traditional way since it “tastes better” and “is healthier” they say. Which has some truth to it. But it’s all personal preference.

Nigerian Fufu

In Nigeria, this is made with fermented cassava and is called akpu instead of fufu. quite different from the Ghanaian method, however, we are sure it does taste as great. Fufu is popular throughout Nigeria, especially in the eastern part of Nigeria

Cote d’Ivoire Fufu

In Côte d’Ivoire there are two kinds of fufu. with the one we know being called “foutou”, and the sweeter version of it called “foufou”. Foutuou is much thicker compared to the latter…

Nutritional Benefits Of Fufu African Food

Fufu has many nutritional benefits. Suppose we think about what Fufu consists of. It’s generally cassava with plantain. So below we have listed some nutritional benefits of cassava & plantain.

Plantain Benefits

Plantains are a carbohydrate-rich food and a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Plantains also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. With good amounts of vitamin C, they can also support/promote the functions of the immune system. Also, their vitamin B6 content is known to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Cassava Benefits

Cassava root is especially rich in vitamin C content. An important vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and supports collagen production. It also enhances immunity, among other benefits.

Cassava roots are actually rich in copper, which is necessary for neurotransmitter synthesis, the production of energy in the body, iron metabolism and more.

Conclusion

Fufu African Food is something you need to try the next time you visit any part of West Africa. we hope you enjoyed the article and learnt something new.

References : Healthline, Wikipedia,