Wassa-Wassa - African Recipe

Wassa-Wassa is a beloved staple in Benin, West Africa, often enjoyed as a hearty lunch or dinner. This dish is a celebration of the yam, a root vegetable deeply ingrained in the culinary and cultural fabric of the region. The yams are cubed, fried to a golden crisp, and served with a spicy peanut sauce that complements the yam's natural sweetness. While Wassa-Wassa can be a meal on its own, it is traditionally served alongside a portion of grilled fish or meat. The act of sharing a plate of Wassa-Wassa is a symbol of community and hospitality, often bringing families and friends together around the dining table.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Dun-Dun (Yams) Select firm, fresh yams. Peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes.
  • 500 ml Palm Oil Used for frying. Adds a unique flavor and rich golden color to the dish.
  • 200 g Groundnuts (Peanuts) Roasted and ground into a paste for the sauce.
  • 2 peppers Ata Rodo (Scotch Bonnet Peppers) Provides the characteristic heat. Adjust to taste.
Wassa-Wassa
Wassa-Wassa

Wassa-Wassa

Updated on 03/23/2025

Wassa-Wassa is a beloved staple in Benin, West Africa, often enjoyed as a hearty lunch or dinner. This dish is a celebration of the yam, a root vegetable deeply ingrained in the culinary and cultural fabric of the region. The yams are cubed, fried to a golden crisp, and served with a spicy peanut sauce that complements the yam's natural sweetness. While Wassa-Wassa can be a meal on its own, it is traditionally served alongside a portion of grilled fish or meat. The act of sharing a plate of Wassa-Wassa is a symbol of community and hospitality, often bringing families and friends together around the dining table.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Dun-Dun (Yams) (Select firm, fresh yams. Peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes.)
  • 500 ml Palm Oil (Used for frying. Adds a unique flavor and rich golden color to the dish.)
  • 200 g Groundnuts (Peanuts) (Roasted and ground into a paste for the sauce.)
  • 2 peppers Ata Rodo (Scotch Bonnet Peppers) (Provides the characteristic heat. Adjust to taste.)

Instructions

No instructions available.

Nutrition Info:

  • fat35 g
  • fiber8 g
  • sodium50 mg
  • protein12 g
  • calories600 kcal
  • carbohydrates60 g

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