What Is Fufu and Ugali Made Of

Information on Fufu and Ugali African food recipes and facts

Fufu and Ugali go by many names throughout the African diaspora and are popular dishes in the Caribbean and Western Eastern and Southern Africa. Ugali and fufu are made by boiling starchy foods like corn, cassava, yam, plantain or rice then pounding them into a delicious mass.

How to eat fufu and ugali plus the best recipes are explained below.

 
Making ugali in Southern Africa
Making ugali in Southern Africa
 

Green Plantain Fufu Recipe

Ingredients
3 green or yellow plantains
1 medium cassava root
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4-1/2 cup water

Directions
In a large pot place the peeled and evenly cut plantains and cassava and cover with water. Boil until soft about 20 minutes. Place the salt, flour, plantains, and cassava in a mixer and whip until the consistency of soft dough is achieved. Fufu should be much stiffer than mashed potatoes in texture. Fufu is used to scoop up sauce, soups, and stews.

Making fufu for market day in Ghana
Making fufu for market day in Ghana

How to eat fufu and ugali


To eat fufu, tear off a walnut-sized portion of the fufu scoop up stew using your hands and bits of doughy fufu. 

In West Africa, diners often eat fufu and the stew's sauce first, saving the meat for the end of the meal since it's the most expensive part. 

It is traditional to eat using only your right hand, no utensils. 

If you were to eat with your left hand, it would be both insulting and rude to those around you because usually the left hand is reserved for bodily functions and the hand is never used for eating.

Green Plantain Fufu Recipe
Green Plantain Fufu Recipe

Easy Ugali Recipe

Ingredients
4 cups finely ground cornmeal
8 cups water

Directions
Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour the corn flour into boiling water. Avoid forming lumps. Stir continuously and mash any lumps that do form. Add more corn flour until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is bland tasting on its own.


Popular Posts

The African Gourmet


In 2023, we mark 16 years of dedicated service in discovering, collecting, and sharing African history and heritage. Our mission is to promote a sense of pride and appreciation for this rich cultural legacy and important educational resource.



So, my adventurous friend, fasten your seatbelt and prepare for a wild and downright mind-blowing journey through Africa's 54 food nations. You're about to discover a whole new world of cultures, traditions, and practices that'll leave you craving more. Since 2007, The African Gourmet has highlighted Africa through its food and culture. Contact us culture1africangourmet@gmail.com

Chic African Culture

Indulge in our delectable food dishes that serve as a delightful and flavorful gateway to the rich diversity of the African continent.