Smoked Fish and Cassava Fufu with Palm Nut Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Cameroonian meal featuring silky cassava fufu paired with a rich, smoky palm nut soup loaded with tender smoked fish. This african-inspired seafood ready in about 65 minutes pairs cassava flour, water, palm nut concentrate for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 African cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Slowly whisk in 2 cups cassava flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Lower heat and simmer, stirring frequently for 10-12 minutes until thick and stretchy. Remove from heat and set aside warm for serving.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 pureed medium fresh tomatoes and 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup palm nut concentrate and 3 cups water or fish stock, stirring well to combine. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold in 1 lb flaked smoked fish, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot palm nut soup alongside the cassava fufu for dipping and enjoying together.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Fish and Cassava Fufu with Palm Nut Soup take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Smoked Fish and Cassava Fufu with 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 Smoked Fish and Cassava Fufu with 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 Smoked Fish and Cassava Fufu with 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 Smoked Fish and Cassava Fufu with Palm Nut Soup?

African seafood 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.

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