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Breakfast

Light Breakfast Foutou with Broth (Foutou wa Sauce Claire du Matin)

(0)
20 min
Prep
25 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 500 g (1.1 lb) boiled plantain, peeled
  • 250 g (9 oz) boiled cassava, peeled
  • 1 L (4 cups) light chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small chili pepper, whole
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tbsp palm oil (optional)

Method

  1. Pound the boiled plantain and cassava together in a mortar until smooth and stretchy, sprinkling in a little water as needed.
  2. Shape the pounded starch into a smooth mound and set aside covered.
  3. In a saucepan, simmer the broth with onion, garlic and whole chili for 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in palm oil if using, and season with salt.
  5. Ladle the hot broth into bowls and serve the foutou alongside for dipping.

Introduction: A lighter morning version of Ivory Coast's staple pounded-starch dish, traditionally served to start the day with a thin, peppery broth rather than the heavier main-meal sauces eaten later.

Cultural Background: A lighter morning version of Ivory Coast's staple pounded-starch dish, traditionally served to start the day with a thin, peppery broth rather than the heavier main-meal sauces eaten later.

Tips: Keep the foutou covered with a damp cloth while you make the broth so it doesn't dry out. A wooden mortar gives the most authentic stretchy texture; a food processor makes a denser result.

Variations: Swap cassava for yam for a firmer foutou.

Storage: Store foutou and broth separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat broth gently on the stovetop; steam foutou briefly or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to restore softness.

Nutrition: Approx. per serving: 310 kcal, 6 g protein, 68 g carbohydrate, 3 g fat

FAQs:

Q: Can I make foutou without a mortar and pestle?

A: Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook or a food processor can approximate the texture, though it will be denser than the traditional pounded version.

Q: Is this dish spicy?

A: The whole chili flavors the broth without breaking it down, so heat is mild; remove the chili early for a milder result.