What is fufu?

Fufu is a staple food in many West African and Central African countries. It is a dough-like consistency made primarily from starchy root vegetables like cassava, yams, or plantains, but sometimes other ingredients such as corn, rice or semolina are used.

The preparation involves boiling the starchy vegetables and then pounding them into a smooth, sticky dough. This pounding process can be done manually with a mortar and pestle, or with the help of a food processor. The consistency can vary from soft and smooth to slightly lumpy, depending on the ingredients and preferences.

Fufu is typically eaten with various soups and stews, acting as a savory carbohydrate accompaniment. It is commonly consumed by tearing off a small piece with the fingers and using it to scoop up the soup or stew.