The Art of Fufu

Book excerpt: A Guide to a West African Tradition The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans. All fufu dishes consist of two parts--the prepared, cooked fufu (which has a dough-like consistency and is made by mixing a plant base with water) and a unique soup that accompanies it. The cooked fufu can be made from a variety of bases, such as yams, shredded cassava tubers, and cassava flour. After the fufu is cooked, it is rolled into small balls, which are then formed into a spoon shape with the hand. The soup is then scooped with the fufu, and the bite is swallowed whole. Just as there are many different types of fufu, there are many different types of soups. Part of the joy of fufu is discovering which flavors pair best together. This colorful book discusses popular ingredients used to make fufu and the soups that go along with it as well as methods of preparation for fufu. The Art of Fufu is sure to appeal to those interested in learning more about West Africa's food culture and one of its most cherished foods.