Fufu is a staple carbohydrate in Ghana, Nigeria, and other West African countries, traditionally made by pounding boiled cassava, plantain, or yam with a wooden mortar and pestle. It symbolizes communal eating and is often served at family gatherings, festivals, and daily meals.

In Ghana, fufu can be made from pure cassava, plantain, or a blend of both. The coastal regions favor a softer, more elastic texture, while the northern areas may use yam or cocoyam, resulting in a denser bite.

Authentic Ghanaian fufu is molded into a smooth ball and placed on a wooden board (asanka). Diners tear off a small piece with their fingers, roll it into a ball, and dip it into a hot soup or stew such as light soup, palm nut soup, or groundnut soup.

Fufu appears at weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals, and holiday feasts. Its presence marks a communal meal where everyone shares from the same pot, reinforcing social bonds.

Fufu pairs perfectly with light soup, palm nut soup, groundnut soup, goat meat stew, and smoked fish stew—any richly flavored broth that can be scooped up with the dough.

Traditionally, fufu uses fresh cassava and plantain pounded in a mortar. In this recipe, pre‑packaged fufu flour (cassava‑plantain blend) is a convenient substitute that mimics the authentic texture.

Common mistakes include adding the flour too quickly (causing lumps), using metal utensils (which can tear the dough), and cooking on high heat (which burns the mixture). Follow the gradual addition and paddling steps for best results.

A wooden spoon is heat‑resistant and flexible, allowing you to paddle without breaking the dough’s structure. Metal spoons can become too hot, cause splattering, and make the fufu difficult to shape.

Yes, you can keep cooked fufu in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Re‑heat by steaming or microwaving with a splash of water to restore its softness.

The YouTube channel Mrsdrewryfood focuses on simple, home‑cooked African recipes, especially Ghanaian staples, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials for busy home cooks.

Mrsdrewryfood emphasizes using readily available packaged ingredients like fufu flour, demonstrates techniques that require minimal equipment, and provides practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls, making authentic Ghanaian dishes accessible to beginners.