Plantain fufu is a wonderful dish from West Africa that can be paired with many kinds of soups and stews. It is made from green plantains, which are gluten-free and vegan-friendly. In this easy guide, we will show you how to make plantain fufu from scratch, so you can enjoy this tasty dish at home.
Ingredients:
You will need these ingredients to make plantain fufu:
- 4 to 5 green plantains
- Water
- Salt (to taste)
Also Read: COOKING THE PERFECT OHA SOUP: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Direction:
Step 1: Choose and Peel the Plantains
First, pick green plantains that are firm and not ripe. Ripe or yellow plantains will not work well for fufu. To peel the plantains, cut off both ends and make a shallow cut along the skin. Then, use your fingers to peel off the skin. Cut the peeled plantains into small pieces for easier blending.
Step 2: Boil the Plantains
Put the plantain pieces in a pot and add water. The water should cover the plantains by at least an inch. Add some salt for flavor. Boil the water over medium heat and cook the plantains until they are soft and mashable with a fork. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Blend the Plantains
When the plantains are done, drain the water and put the cooked plantain pieces in a blender or food processor. Blend the plantains until they become a smooth and thick paste. You might need to add a little water (1-2 tablespoons) to help the blending, but don't add too much or the fufu will be watery.
Step 4: Shape the Fufu
Next, put the plantain paste back in the pot. Heat the pot over low heat and stir the paste constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. The heat will help to dry out the excess water and make the fufu thicker. Keep stirring until the fufu is thick and doughy, like bread dough. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, take the fufu off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Wet your hands with water to avoid sticking and form the fufu into balls or smaller pieces, as you like. Plantain fufu is usually eaten with soups and stews such as Egusi, Okra, or Efo Riro. Serve the fufu with your chosen soup and enjoy the delicious taste of this West African dish.
Also Read: 10 different types of swallow (fufu) in Africa
Tips and Variations:
- For more flavor, you can add boiled yam or cassava to the plantain fufu while blending.
- To change the thickness of the fufu, adjust the amount of water you add while blending. Add small amounts until you get the thickness you want.
- To save time, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the plantains faster.
- You can store leftover fufu in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat it, steam it or warm it up in a microwave.
Conclusion:
Plantain fufu is a simple and satisfying dish that you can make at home with green plantains. It goes well with many types of soups and stews from West Africa. Follow this easy guide and you can create this versatile dish for your family and friends. You can also buy Plantain Fufu flour from My Sasun African Market if you are in the US or Canada. We deliver fresh and quality African products to your doorstep. Get yours here
Comments (1)
A Facebook friend in Uganda explained fufu to me. She said it was “sweet food for all people”. She often served it to her family with a stew of tomatoes and onions. A beautiful sentiment I thought. ❤️