🇧🇯 Beninese Cuisine

Wassa Wassa

Steamed Yam Couscous

Prep Time 45 min

Servings 6

Difficulty Hard

Calories 292 kcal

Grated yam formed into tiny granules and steamed until fluffy, resembling couscous. This labor-intensive northern Beninese specialty is served with a spiced vegetable or meat sauce.

Ingredients

2 lbs yam peeled and grated
water for steaming
salt to taste

Instructions

1 Peel and finely grate raw yam.
2 Sprinkle grated yam with salt and form into tiny granules by rubbing between palms.
3 Spread granules on a tray and let dry slightly for 30 minutes.
4 Steam the granules in a couscousier or steamer for 20 minutes.
5 Fluff with a fork, steam again for 10 minutes until light and fluffy.

Did You Know?

Making wassa wassa is a communal activity in northern Benin where women gather to grate, granulate, and steam together while sharing news and stories.