A Quick Guide to African Swallows: Fufu, Eba, Amala and More

If you're new to African soups, "swallow" can be the most confusing part of the menu — and the most delicious. Swallows are starchy accompaniments designed to be torn into small pieces, dipped into soup, and swallowed almost whole. Different regions have different favorites: • **Fufu** — made from boiled and pounded cassava. Soft, slightly tangy. • **Eba** — yellow swallow made from gari (cassava flour). Slightly grainy and beloved with egusi. • **Semo / Semovita** — wheat-semolina swallow. Smooth and mild. • **Amala** — dark brown swallow from yam flour. Earthy, traditional with ewedu. • **Plantain Fufu** — made from unripe plantains. Lower-carb, slightly sweet. • **Foutou** — Ivorian plantain-and-cassava swallow. • **Placali** — fermented cassava paste with a tangy flavor. • **Wheat** — firm, neutral, works with most soups. Not sure which to pick? Our team is happy to recommend a pairing.