FUFU-erific

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In my first days in Ghana I was exposed to the staples of the diet. Fufu, Banku, and TZ. They are all starches shaped into balls and dipped into a soup or sauce. They all take a lot of hard work to prepare -- all so that the food will slip down your throat without the hassle of chewing.
Imagine the surprise of my co-worker Jamilla when she discovered that in 8 months I had never actually prepared fufu. We had to do something about that stat!
Here is a photo essay of how to make fufu. Enjoy!

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Photos

Step 1: Pealing
Yams make a great gift. Several times I have received yams as a thank you. The other interesting detail about yams is that when I peal them they make my skin itch...curious.

Step 2: Dicing
Chop the yam up into pieces. *Food Fact -- in Ghana the word Chop also means to eat. IE. "Let's go to the chop bar for some delicious Banku." OR "The politicians are chopping money that should be spent on the school feeding program."

Step 3: Boiling
Boil the yams. The lazy person may just stop after this stage, apply a generous dollop of stew and start chowing...but not us. This is only the beginning. To save time you can throw your vegetables for the light soup in at this stage as well.

Step 4: Pounding
Now comes the fun part! Put the yam into the mortar use the large pestle and start pounding. Add 'small' water as you go.

Step 5: Teamwork
Find a friend (or local small boy) to help you. One person will pound and the other will turn the yam mixture with his hand. This is a delicate art -- to keep the rhythm going without smashing your helper's hand.

Step 6: Shape into Balls and Enjoy!
Divide your gluey mixture into even balls, smooth them and serve them. Fufu is usually made with light soup (a tomato flavoured soup with vegetables, fish or beef inside). No utensils required -- just wash your hands, rip off a chunk, dip it in the soup and enjoy!