Attiéké (Ivorian Steamed Cassava Grains with Fresh Salad)
In short: Fermented cassava grains steamed until fluffy, served warm with a fresh tomato, cucumber and onion salad dressed with oil and lime. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Attiéké is the cassava couscous of Côte d'Ivoire: grated cassava is fermented, dried and steamed into fluffy, pale grains with a mildly sour taste. It is served with grilled fish, chicken or sauce, and often comes with a tomato, onion and cucumber salad dressed with oil and lime. Packs of precooked attiéké only need steaming, which takes minutes. Fluff the grains well so they stay light.
Instructions
- Tip the attiéké into a large bowl and break up any clumps with your fingers.
- Sprinkle the water over the grains and mix lightly so they are evenly moist.
- Put the grains in a steamer basket lined with a clean cloth over simmering water, or in a covered pot over low heat. Steam for 8 minutes, until hot all through.
- Meanwhile, mix the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, chili, lime juice, oil and salt in a bowl.
- Tip the hot attiéké into a bowl, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and the salt and fluff it with a fork.
- Serve the warm attiéké with the salad on top or alongside, and with grilled fish, chicken or a sauce.
Tips
- Thaw frozen attiéké overnight in the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, before steaming.
- Stir in a little red palm oil instead of sunflower oil for a golden color and a nutty flavor.
Questions and answers
Where can I buy attiéké?
Look in African grocery stores, in the freezer section or as dried packs. Check that it is labeled as precooked, so it only needs steaming.
What does attiéké taste like?
It is mildly sour from fermentation, light and slightly chewy, a bit like couscous. The oil, lime and salad give it most of its flavor.
What can I serve it with?
Grilled fish, grilled chicken, fried tuna and stews are the classic partners. For a simple vegan meal, serve it with sliced avocado and fried plantain.
How long does it take to make Attiéké (Ivorian Steamed Cassava Grains with Fresh Salad)?
About 25 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Attiéké (Ivorian Steamed Cassava Grains with Fresh Salad)?
About 320 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 56 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
