Fufu is a pounded starchy staple meal found in West and Central African Cuisine.
It is one of the most cherished traditional meals in African culinary history. Although this meal has been introduced to Africans over many years, it is still alien to many.
It is a swallow with a neutral taste that is usually served with different types of soups. For example, in Nigeria, It is served with soups like ogbono, Efo riro and Egusi. In Ghana, Fufu is usually a combination of mashed yam, plantain and cassava.
Traditionally, West African Fufu is made purely from cassava. However, over the years, it is now made from different varieties of starch depending on your location in Africa. It can be made from oat flour, maize, plantain, cassava or yam.
What does fufu taste like?
The traditional fufu made with cassava has a mild to sour taste depending on how the cassava is processed. If the cassava is fermented, then the fufu will be sour. If it is unfermented,then the fufu will taste a bit neutral. This mild flavour and sour taste of fufu make it a perfect swallow fit for Africa soup like Banga soup, okra soup or Egusi soup.
Is Eating Fufu Healthy?
Yes, fufu has great health benefits.
First, It is low in cholesterol and rich in carbohydrates and fibre. It contains potassium and resistant starch which promote the digestive system and help to reduce inflammation. It has vitamin C also.
How Long does it take to digest?
Fufu is heavy food. It takes longer to digest. It is advisable not to take this meal late at night. Generally, when you eat at night the body is more likely to store those calories as fat and gain weight rather than burn it as energy.
Soups you can pair your fufu with are:
Peanut soup.
Ogbono soup.
Jute leave( Ewedu)
Egusi soup.
Spinach stew( Efo riro)
Okro soup and many more.
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