African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (2024)

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links.
Please read my disclosure policy.

Are you ready to discover one of the most popular “swallow foods” in West Africa? Fufu is a smooth, stretchy, and filling side dish made with cassava and plantains. It’s easy to make with only 3 basic ingredients and optional seasonings! Serve it with Egusi Soup, Ogbono Soup, or other stews or sauces for a comforting meal!

Bonus! Learn to make it ahead for freezing and reheating so that you’ll always have a delicious side dish ready!

African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (1)

What do I ❤️ most about fufu?

  • Only 3 basic ingredients: cassava, plantains, and water. You can add optional salt and pepper if you like.
  • The smooth and stretchy texture with a subtle sweetness! It doesn’t require chewing and is so easy to swallow.
  • Freeze well so that you can enjoy it anytime!

I can’t say I’ve ever been to Africa. Nor can I say I’ve eaten at many authentic African restaurants, but I’ve had fufu several times during my trips to the Caribbean countries. I have to admit: I like it even more than mashed potatoes.

There are many ways to make fufu: West African style, East African style, the type of starchy vegetables you use, how long to boil them, and whether you pound them using the traditional technique or with a food processor!

I’ve included all of my secrets for making the BEST fufu every time!

Watch Fufu Recipe Video

Fufu: a “swallow food”

Also called foofoo or foufou, fufu is made with starchy vegetables like plantains, yam, and cassava (or yuca). They are boiled, pounded, and then shaped into round balls. It originated in Ghana and has become a popular dish in many African and Caribbean countries.

Fufu is a famous Swallow food in West Africa where the food is swallowed without chewing. Because the texture is so smooth and pliable, you can let it slide down your throat!

The traditional process of making fufu is difficult as it mixes and pounds separate equal portions of cassava and green plantains thoroughly with water. I’ve created a much easier recipe – simply boil the cassava and plantains, blend them with a food processor or blender, then shape them into small balls.

African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (2)

Make the perfect fufu with 3 basic ingredients!

Cut, boil, and blend. That’s it! You’ll only need plantains, cassava, water, and optional salt and pepper. Check the complete recipe with measurements at the bottom of this post, but here is an overview of how it goes:

African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (3)

First, cut plantains and cassava. I recommend using slightly ripe plantains.

  • The traditional fufu recipe uses green unripe plantains, but I like the texture of fufu made with plantains that are not completely green. The slightly ripe plantains also add a nice and slight sweetness to the dish. Avoid ripe or over-ripe plantains with many patches of black pots.
  • Peel the skin of plantains and cut it into chunks with similar thickness. This allows them to cook evenly.
  • Peel the skin of cassava and cut it into chunks.
African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (4)

Next, boil. In a large saucepan or pot add water and bring it to boil. Add cassava and plantain pieces, and boil them for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender and soft.Drain and shake to remove excess water.

Tip: How do I know when they are done cooking? These starchy vegetables are ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork. Test the cassava and plantain after 15 minutes of boiling. If they’re still firm in the center, you’ll end up with lumpy fufu! Remove from heat when they’re soft.

African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (5)

Finally, blend. Pulse to blend, and add water GRADUALLY until it’s nice and smooth without any chunks. It’s important to add only a small amount of water each time. Too much water will make your fufu too soft.

Tip: Don’t over-blend. Plantains and cassava release starch every time they’re blended. Too much blending can lead to gluey and gummy consistency.

African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (6)
African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (7)

Season with optional salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. Enjoy! 😋

If you want to shape it perfectly like the ones in the photo, you can use plastic wraps when shaping the fufu as it’s very sticky. This also helps to retain moisture and prevent your fufu from drying out.

Eating fufu with hands like locals

Fufu tastes the best when it’s freshly made. I like to serve it hot. Traditionally, African people eat fufu by pinching some of the fufu off with fingers and forming it into a bite-sized round ball with palms. Dip it into a soup and use the fufu to scoop up a portion of the soup. Put everything in your mouth and SWALLOW! Yes, just swallow down your throat, WITHOUT chewing!

Of course, if you are making it at home with your family, feel free to use a spoon or fork, just like the way you eat mashed potatoes.

African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (8)

How to store fufu

Let it cool to room temperature and wrap it with plastic wrap to keep it moist.They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, you have a few options:

  • In the microwave: Microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
  • On the stove: Cook it in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
  • In the oven: Warm in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes.

Make it ahead and freeze it in individual portions

I like to cook a large batch of fufu and freeze it in small portions. You’ll have a delicious side dish any time!

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and scoop 1-cup portion sizes onto the sheet.
  • Flash freeze for 1 hour, and then transfer to a freezer-friendly Ziploc bag. It’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • To reheat, let frozen fufu thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat according to the instructions above.

How to make fermented fufu

This recipe also works for fermented fufu. The only extra step is to soak the peeled and cut cassava for 3-4 days at room temperature. Follow the recipe below for the rest of the process.

More Delicious African and Caribbean Foods

  • Nigerian Jollof Rice
  • Puerto Rican Rice and Beans
  • Mofongo
  • Favorite African Foods

If you’ve tried this fufu recipe, leave a review below. I love hearing your feedback!

African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (9)

Easy Fufu Recipe

This easy fufu recipe is made with 3 ingredients and optional salt and pepper. Simply boil cassava and plantains first, and then blend them into a dough-like consistency. Finally, it’s shaped into small balls and served with soup, stew, or sauce. Ready in 25 minutes! So filling and delicious!

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 balls

Author: Izzy

Calories: 160kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cassava (I used 1 cassava for this recipe)
  • 1 pound plantains* It’s best to use the plantains that are not completely ripe. I used 2 plantains for this recipe
  • water
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Rinse the cassava and plantains with cold water. Peel the skin and cut them into chunks.

  • In a saucepan add water and bring it to boil.

  • Add cassava and plantain pieces, and boil them for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft. Test by piercing with a fork after 15 minutes. If they are tender and break easily, they are ready.

  • Transfer the pieces to a food processor or blender using a slotted spoon.

  • Pulse to blend, adding water GRADUALLY, until it reaches your desired consistency. It’s important to add small amount of water each time.

  • Transfer the mixture into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the fufu is thick and smooth.

  • Place a piece of plastic wrap on the counter, and take about 2 spoons of the mixture to the middle of the wrap. Shape it into balls. Repeat with the rest of the dough. You’ll get about 8-10 fufu balls. Serve them with stew or soup.

Notes

  • * The traditional fufu recipe uses green plantains, but I recommend using the slightly ripe ones. It will produce a more creamy texture and slight sweetness.
  • Store the individually wrapped fufu in the refrigerator and they’ll last for about 4 days.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 437mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 646IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Author: Izzy

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: African, Caribbean

Keyword: African Fufu, Fufu

Tried this recipe?Follow or tag us on Pinterest @izzycooking

African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (10)
African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (11)

About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Yvette says

    So I’m assuming you substitute the cassava with yams right? How would you use oatmeal and cornmeal? What would the recipe look like?

  2. Troy says

    African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (12)
    I would see the yuca fruit in our stores never knew it was what is used to make fufu. Wow I will make some.

  3. Pauline says

    African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (13)
    Excellent,

  4. Holly Van Every says

    African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (14)
    Hello! Loved your recipe but I believe it’s really important that you include the fact that Cassava is very toxic unless it is thoroughly cooked!

  5. Lila says

    Can you use cassava flour instead?

    • Izzy says

      I haven’t tried cassava flour. The texture and flavor will change if you use the flour

Comments are temporarily closed while we perform updates on the site.

African Fufu Recipe (Only 3 ingredients!) (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in fufu? ›

Ghanaian fufu is a mixture of boiled cassava, plantains, and butter. It's often served with hot groundnut soup ladled over top.

How to make fufu with just flour and water? ›

Put the flour in a small saucepan, mix in half of the measured water and stir into a thick paste. Place the pan over a low heat and slowly add the rest of the water, stirring continuously and smoothing out any lumps with the back of a wooden spoon (the low heat will absorb the last of the moisture).

What is the original fufu? ›

Although the original ingredients for fufu are boiled cassava, plantains, and cocoyam, yams (Ghana), it is also made in different ways in other West African countries.

How to make local fufu? ›

Fufu is made from cassava, you start by pilling the cassava then soak in water for 3-4 days, sift to remove chaff. You get the raw-wet fufu. which can then be cooked and pounded to obtain the edible fufu. Also, the raw-wet fufu could be sun-dried and stored in an air tight container.

What does fufu give to the body? ›

Like many traditional West African ingredients and dishes, fufu has immense health benefits: Not only is it low in cholesterol, it is rich in fiber, potassium and resistant starch, which feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut and may help reduce inflammation and promote digestive health, and contains vitamin C, ...

Is fufu just raw dough? ›

The traditional recipe for fufu uses true yams, which are boiled and then pounded in a wooden mortar and pestle until they're smooth and sticky like dough. The tart and sour flavor of pounded starches pairs really well with full-bodied and well-seasoned meat and vegetable dishes.

How to make fufu thicker? ›

If any lumps form, remove the pan from the heat momentarily to stir out the lumps, then return the pan to the heat. As the mixture heats up, the starch in the cornmeal will thicken the mixture. This will take about five to 10 minutes.

Why don't we chew fufu? ›

Fufu is a traditional food of central and western Africa consisting of a starchy preparation compacted by hand into small balls. Fufu balls are usually swallowed without chewing to allow a sensation of stomach fullness throughout the day.

What is fufu called in English? ›

Fufu (pounded yam or cassava) is a food dish which first came from West Africa, but is enjoyed by many people across the world. Its taste somewhat resembles that of mashed potatoes with butter.

How long does fufu take to digest? ›

While light food such as white rice takes less than an hour to break down, fufu takes more than six hours as propagated. Rice only takes 45 minutes to be absorbed by the blood, thus increasing the risk of diabetes.

What dish is similar to fufu? ›

My favourite alternative to fufu for some of my Ghanaian soups, like groundnut soup or palm nut soup, is omutuo Omutuo roughly translates to rice ball and is made with just here ingredients - rice, water and salt. Making it one of the easiest edible spoons to make.

Is fufu made out of dough? ›

"Fufu" (FOO-foo) is a West African dish that consists of starchy cassava, potato, or other root vegetables boiled, blended, and stirred until transformed into a thick ball of dough.

What vegetable is in fufu? ›

The main ingredient in fufu is a starchy root vegetable such as cassava, yams, or plantains. These vegetables are peeled, cut into small pieces, and boiled until they are soft. They are then pounded or mashed with a mortar and pestle or in a blender or food processor until they form a dough-like consistency.

What is fufu and how does it taste? ›

The traditional recipe for fufu uses true yams, which are boiled and then pounded in a wooden mortar and pestle until they're smooth and sticky like dough. The tart and sour flavor of pounded starches pairs really well with full-bodied and well-seasoned meat and vegetable dishes.

What plant is fufu made out of? ›

Cassava fufu, said to originate in West Africa, is made from fermented, puréed cassava, or yucca root, pounded with water into a soft, sticky dough. It's typically served with various West African soups, such as sawa sawa with egusi, groundnut soup, or okra soup.

Top Articles
Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe (Kid-Friendly!)
The BEST Copycat Qdoba Chicken Recipe (Just Like The Real Thing)
LOST JEEPS • View forum
scotty rasmussen paternity court
Texas Roadhouse On Siegen Lane
Autozone Memorial Day Hours
Caremount Medical Flu Shots 2022
Rs3 Rituals
Walmart Front Door Wreaths
Craiglist Tulsa Ok
Cognitive Function Test Potomac Falls
Redbox Locations Walmart
Expendables 4 Showtimes Near Cinemark 14 Rockwall And Xd
Lakers Game Summary
Ts Egypt Dmarco
Summoners War Update Notes
Juliewiththecake Wiki / Biography - Age, Boyfriend, Height, Net Worth - WikiBravo
Point Click Care Cna Lo
Kellifans.com
Can You Put Elvie Stride Parts In Sterilizer
Contenidos del nivel A2
Interview With Marc Rheinard (Team ToniSport & Awesomatix) From Germany
Otis Inmate Search Michigan
Pole Barns 101: Everything You Need to Know - Big Buildings Direct
افضل موقع سكسي عربي
Ottumwa Evening Post Obits
Ogłoszenia - Sprzedam, kupię na OLX.pl
Busted Barren County Ky
South Carolina Title Transfer Does Sc Require Notary Seal For Auto Title Transfer
100X35 Puerto Rico Meaning
8 Best Bubble Braid Hairstyles For All Hair Types
Keyn Car Shows
Lacy Aaron Schmidt Where Is He Now
Jodie Sweetin Breast Reduction
Papa Louie When Pizzas Attack Unblocked
Blackboard Bristol
24 Hour Pharmacy Berkeley
O'reilly's In Mathis Texas
Urgent Care Pelham Nh
Csulb Atlas
Big Lots Hours Saturday
What is 9xMovies - Everything You Need to Know with Best Alternatives 2023-LDPlayer's Choice-LDPlayer
Craigslist For Pets For Sale
Easy Pickled Coleslaw (with Canning Video)
How Did Kratos Remove The Chains
Buhsd Studentvue
Kieaira.boo
1636 Fire Red Squirrels
Skip The Games Buffalo
Vorschau: Battle for Azeroth – eine Tour durch Drustvar
Dark Pictures Wiki
Lanipopvip
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Last Updated:

Views: 5575

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Birthday: 1999-09-15

Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

Phone: +6838967160603

Job: Mining Executive

Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.