Cassava Fufu Dumplings with Spicy Palm Nut Soup
Soft cassava fufu dumplings served in a rich, spicy palm nut soup, bringing together traditional Cameroonian flavors and textures. This african-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs cassava flour, warm water, can palm nut concentrate for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cassava flour
- 1.5 cups warm water
- 14 oz can palm nut concentrate
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole
- 1/2 cup smoked fish, shredded
- 2 tbsp ground crayfish
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups water (for soup)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, gradually add 1.5 cups warm water to 2 cups cassava flour, stirring continuously until a smooth, thick dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until elastic. Divide into small, golf-ball-sized dumplings and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 chopped fresh tomatoes, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned palm nut concentrate and 3 cups water, stirring well. Add 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1/2 cup shredded smoked fish, 2 tbsp ground crayfish, and 1 tsp salt. Gently drop the cassava dumplings into the simmering soup, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are tender and the soup thickens.
- Step 5: Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Ladle soup with dumplings into bowls for a hearty, spicy meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cassava Fufu Dumplings with Spicy Palm Nut Soup take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cassava Fufu Dumplings with Spicy Palm Nut Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cassava flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cassava Fufu Dumplings with Spicy Palm Nut Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cassava Fufu Dumplings with Spicy Palm Nut Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cassava Fufu Dumplings with Spicy Palm Nut Soup?
African soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
