Street Food
Roasted Corn with Safou (African Pear)
Ingredients
- - Fresh corn on the cob, husked -- 4 ears (4 ears)
- - Safou (African pear/plum) -- 8-12 (8-12)
- - Salt -- to taste (to taste)
- - Water (for softening safou) -- as needed (as needed)
Method
- Grill the corn cobs over charcoal or on a grill pan, turning frequently, for 12–15 minutes until charred in spots and tender.
- Meanwhile, soften the safou by placing them in a pot of warm (not boiling) water for 5–8 minutes until the flesh softens slightly — they should not be boiled hard, which can make them bitter.
- Alternatively, roast the safou briefly alongside the corn over the coals until warmed through and slightly softened.
- Sprinkle the corn lightly with salt.
- Serve the hot roasted corn and warmed safou together, eating the safou flesh straight from the skin.
Introduction: A beloved combination found at roadside braziers throughout Cameroon, smoky roasted corn on the cob is paired with safou — a buttery, roasted African pear (also called African plum) — for a smoky-creamy street snack eaten by hand during harvest season when both corn and safou are at their peak.
Cultural Background: A beloved combination found at roadside braziers throughout Cameroon, smoky roasted corn on the cob is paired with safou — a buttery, roasted African pear (also called African plum) — for a smoky-creamy street snack eaten by hand during harvest season when both corn and safou are at their peak.
Tips: Safou should only be gently warmed, not boiled vigorously, or it can turn bitter and mushy. Turn the corn often over coals for even charring without burning.
Variations: Rub the corn with a little chili-salt mix before grilling. Safou can also be lightly grilled directly on the coals for a smokier flavour. Naturally vegetarian and vegan as written.
Storage: Best eaten immediately; not suited to storage once cooked.
Reheating: Reheat corn briefly on a hot pan; safou is best freshly warmed and not reheated a second time.
Nutrition: Calories: 240 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Carbs: 30 g | Fat: 12 g | Fiber: 6 g
FAQs:
Q: What is safou?
A: Safou, also called African pear or African plum, is an oily, buttery fruit traditionally warmed rather than eaten raw, popular as a street snack paired with roasted corn.
Q: Where can I find safou outside Cameroon?
A: It’s occasionally available frozen at African and Caribbean grocers under the name African pear or safou/ube.