Masa

Name: Masa
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Nigerien
Ingredients: 3 cups short-grain rice; 1/2 cup cooked rice (for starter); 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp yeast; 1 tsp salt; Vegetable oil for greasing; 2 cups warm water

Masa (MAH-sah)

Rice Cakes

⏱ Prep Time 8 hours (fermentation)

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 216 kcal

Light, spongy fermented rice cakes cooked in a special cast-iron mold, with a slightly tangy flavor and golden crispy edges.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 5.0g

Carbs 40.0g

Fat 4.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

masa pan (kasko) blender fermentation bowl

Presentation Guide

Vessel: woven basket lined with paper

Garnishes: sugar sprinkle

Accompaniments: yaji spice, honey, stew

Ingredients

3 cups short-grain rice
1/2 cup cooked rice (for starter)
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp yeast
1 tsp salt
Vegetable oil for greasing
2 cups warm water

Instructions

1
Soak rice in water for 4 hours, then drain and blend into a smooth batter.
2
Add cooked rice, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well and cover with a cloth.
3
Allow to ferment in a warm place for 6-8 hours or overnight until bubbly and slightly sour.
4
Heat a masa pan (kasko) and grease each mold with oil.
5
Pour batter into each mold, filling three-quarters full. Cover with a lid.
6
Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden on the bottom and set on top. Serve warm.

💡

Did You Know?

The distinctive masa pan has been made by Nigerien blacksmiths for centuries and a well-seasoned kasko is treated like a family treasure.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

masa pan (kasko)
blender
fermentation bowl

Garnishing

sugar sprinkle

Accompaniments

yaji spice, honey, stew

The Story Behind Masa

Masa is a cornerstone of Hausa breakfast culture, sold at every street corner in Niamey and across Niger. The fermentation technique dates back centuries and produces a natural leavening that gives masa its characteristic spongy texture. Each vendor has her own secret ratio of old batter to new.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast, street food 📜 Origins: Ancient Hausa cuisine

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