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)
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
