Authentic Ghanaian Tuo Zaafi Recipe: A Culinary Journey to West Africa

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of corn dough
  • 1 cup of cassava dough
  • 1 liter of water
  • 2 medium onions
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 1 kilogram of beef
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 cup of okra
  • 2 medium aubergines
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 cups of vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon of dried fish powder
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of dawadawa (fermented locust beans)
  • 4 litres of water for soup

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by preparing the tuo zaafi. Mix the corn dough and cassava dough in a bowl, then slowly add one liter of water to make a thick mixture.
  2. Put this mixture on medium heat and stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Once it starts to thicken, reduce the heat and continue stirring until it becomes smooth and stretchy. This is the tuo zaafi.
  3. Next, prepare the soup. Cut the beef into chunks and put them in a large pot. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger.
  4. Add 4 liters of water to the pot, put it on high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the beef is tender.
  5. While the beef is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the tomatoes and add them to the pot along with the tomato paste. Chop the okra and aubergines and add them too.
  6. Add the salt, vegetable oil, dried fish powder, chili powder, and dawadawa. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  7. When the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked, your soup is ready.
  8. Serve the tuo zaafi with the soup. Enjoy your meal!

Tools for making

  • Large pot - needed to cook the soup and boil the beef
  • Bowl - used to mix the corn dough and cassava dough
  • Stirring spoon - essential for stirring the tuo zaafi and soup
  • Chopping board - required for chopping the onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, okra, and aubergines
  • Knife - used to chop the vegetables and beef
  • Measuring cups - necessary for accurately measuring the corn dough, cassava dough, and water
  • Measuring spoons - needed to measure the tomato paste, salt, dried fish powder, chili powder, and dawadawa
  • Potato masher - used to mash and break down any lumps in the tuo zaafi mixture

Recipe variations

  • Use millet flour instead of corn and cassava dough for a gluten-free option.
  • Replace beef with chicken or lamb for a different meat option.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, kale, or carrots to the soup for added nutrition.
  • Try a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead.
  • Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor profile of the soup.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chili peppers.
  • Add coconut milk for a creamy twist to the soup.
  • Create a seafood variation by substituting the beef with shrimp, fish, or a combination of seafood.
  • Make a vegan version by using plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh instead of meat.
  • Instead of using aubergines, try using other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Recipe overview

Tuo Zaafi is a popular traditional dish from Northern Ghana. It's a flavorful and hearty meal that consists of a smooth, stretchy dough (Tuo Zaafi) served with a rich, vegetable-filled soup. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare both the Tuo Zaafi and the soup from scratch, using ingredients such as beef, okra, aubergines, and a mix of spices to give it an authentic taste. The preparation process is quite straightforward, and the result is a delicious, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The key to making a great Tuo Zaafi is to take your time and stir the dough continuously to achieve the right texture. As for the soup, feel free to tweak the spices and ingredients to suit your taste. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonderful flavors of Northern Ghana with this Tuo Zaafi recipe!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make Tuo Zaafi?
    The total cooking time for Tuo Zaafi is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  2. Can I use only corn dough or cassava dough instead of both?
    Yes, you can use only corn dough or cassava dough if you prefer. However, using a combination of both gives the traditional texture and flavor of Tuo Zaafi.
  3. Can I substitute the beef with another meat?
    Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken, lamb, or any other meat of your choice.
  4. What can I serve Tuo Zaafi with?
    Tuo Zaafi is traditionally served with a soup made with vegetables and meat. It can also be served with a side of salad or any other accompaniments you prefer.
  5. Can I make Tuo Zaafi without the vegetable oil?
    The vegetable oil adds flavor and richness to the soup, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of oil or omit it altogether.
  6. How should I store leftover Tuo Zaafi?
    Leftover Tuo Zaafi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the soup and boil the beef.
  • Mixing bowl - Used to mix the corn dough and cassava dough for the tuo zaafi.
  • Wooden spoon - Ideal for stirring the tuo zaafi and soup to prevent lumps and sticking.
  • Chef's knife - Used for cutting the onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, okra, and aubergines.
  • Cutting board - Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
  • Measuring cups - Essential for accurately measuring the corn dough, cassava dough, and water.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to measure the salt, dried fish powder, chili powder, and dawadawa.
  • Soup ladle - Helps in serving the soup onto the tuo zaafi.
  • Soup bowls - Used for serving the completed dish.
  • Serving spoons - Utensils for serving the tuo zaafi and soup from the pot to individual bowls.
  • Kitchen towel - Useful for wiping surfaces and hands while cooking.

Origin stories

Tuo Zaafi, often simply referred to as T.Z., hails from the northern region of Ghana. This sumptuous meal has spread through the country and beyond borders; it's not uncommon to catch the scent of the savoury soup wafting from kitchens in Burkina Faso or Nigeria. Its popularity, many believe, is due to the energy it provides. Tuo Zaafi translates from the Hausa language to mean "hot food", not in terms of temperature, but in its capacity to provide the consumer with energy. A staple among the Hausa-speaking communities, Tuo Zaafi is typically enjoyed with a variety of soups, making it a versatile dish that can cater to myriad taste buds. It is in its simplicity and adaptability that it has won the hearts of many, becoming a beloved dish that continues to be enjoyed across West Africa.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.