PUFF PUFF: NIGERIAN STREET SNACK 

Nigerian puff puff is a popular street food in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. It’s a sweet, deep-fried dough ball that’s crispy on the outside but very soft and fluffy within. Street food culture in Nigeria is incomplete without puff puff.

I have many memories of food stories and conversations with my mother. Do check out the memory of my frequent traveler mom and how we all tried to support her in her journeys.

This is one of those memories that perfectly captures why I love my mom so much. Her dedication to her Sunday school class and her ability to make everyone feel special. This recipe will say so much about the love I have for my mum. My mum is a force of nature wrapped in a warm smile and an ever-ready embrace. She’s transformed our church’s children’s ministry into a second home for dozens of little ones. Her secret? A magical combination of Bible stories with physical descriptions accompanied by songs that are hard to forget, and of course, the occasional treat that follows after the class. Children adore her as much as she adores them.

She’s free spirited, listens, the kind who remembers every birthday, notices when there are signs of withdrawal amongst her students, and always has an extra hug on her hand and is always available. Little wonder the seamless connection she has with children

Her free spirit and open nature seem to connect with the children. They come to her, eager to recite the week’s memory verse or share a story from school. And mom listens – genuinely listens to each one. 

Special Visit From Samaritan Purse 

As exciting as our normal Sunday school classes were, when she announced a special visit from Samaritan’s Purse, an International relief organization, known for its Child Care programs,  the excitement doubled. Because they are going home with gift boxes, this news spreads like wildfire, and joy, anxiety and anticipation saturates the atmosphere.

The Challenge

In preparation for the visit, my Mom asked me to prepare a simple snack for the children and our guests when they come. “Something special, but not too complicated”, She requested, my mind racing through options. Cookies? Too ordinary. A full-blown cake? Too much work for perhaps hundreds of children. Puff puff! I said. These little dough balls are always a favorite, easy to make in large quantities, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love puff puff? ‘It’s simple, tasty and delicious.

Realizing what I’d signed up for, I felt a combination of excitement and a good dose of panic.  Making puff puff for my family or whipping up a batch for a few friends? No problem. But this…this was a whole new ballgame. I found myself pacing the kitchen, mentally counting the potential number of mouths I’d be feeding. The  children, their parents, and the Samaritan’s Purse team. The number kept increasing in my mind until I was certain I’d be frying puff puff for the whole neighborhood! 😂

However, in the middle of my little freakout, I recall how stressful and heavy it must have been for my mom planning to host these guests. At the very least, it’s an opportunity to support mom and contribute something valuable to this special day. My anxiety began to shift into determination. This was bigger than my usual cooking adventures, but it was also an opportunity to share something I loved with a whole lot of people. Plus, I’d be lending a hand to Mom, taking one thing off her task list.

Overwhelming? A bit. Exciting? Absolutely!”

The Process: Nigerian Puff Puff

I make this simple yet irresistible treat with a basic dough of flour, yeast, sugar, and water which I allow to rise before frying in hot oil. The result is a golden-brown, slightly chewy ball of goodness that I either eat plain, coated with powdered sugar, or filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Puff puff is more than just food in Nigeria, where it’s a fixture at parties, conferences, and street corners. Whether you eat it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it is a delicious journey into the heart of West African cuisine.”

This ‘go-to’ snack plays an integral role in Nigerian culture, social life, and festivities that extend beyond its basic ingredients. The sight of a large bowl of freshly fried puff puff is enough to draw crowds and spark joyful conversations. Puff puff is the most popular Nigerian comfort meal. It’s my go-to snack for a quick energy boost, a satisfying breakfast, or a late-night craving. Its versatility means it can be enjoyed on its own, paired with a spicy sauce, or even incorporated into more complex dishes. 

It’s a common sight to see vendors, often women, expertly dropping perfectly rounded balls of dough into hot oil, creating a scene that is both interesting and mouth-watering. The aroma is a familiar and comforting scent in many Nigerian neighborhoods including mine. Moreover, puff puff represents the Nigerian spirit of resourcefulness and creativity. With just a few basic ingredients, something truly delightful is created – a metaphor that resonates with many aspects of African life and culture.

For me, puff puff is closely associated with childhood memories. It is one of the first snacks I learned to make, creating bonds and traditions that are passed down through generations. The process of making puff puff together can be a family activity, with recipes and techniques handed down from grandparents to parents to children.

The Preparation

So I went to the supermarket to get the necessary ingredients. Flour, yeast (dry), sugar, and vegetable oil (optional ingredients include nutmeg, milk, vanilla essence flavor, pepper(Nigerian red pepper, Ghana pepper, and Green peppers), and powdered sugar for dusting after frying).

This minimal list of ingredients is one of the reasons puff puff is so popular; it requires just a few basic grocery supplies to make a wonderful dessert.

But the key to good puff puff lies not just in the ingredients, but also in the preparation and the frying process. The dough needs time to rise properly, and the oil temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior and fluffy interior.

Storage tip

One of my biggest concerns was how to keep the puff puff warm and for the children and visitors. 

After frying, I lined a basket with a clean, thick cloth, placed the puff puff inside, and covered them with another layer of cloth. This homemade method worked surprisingly well for about an hour.

You could wrap batches of puff puff in aluminum foil also. This traps the heat and keeps them warm for about an hour. Make sure not to wrap them too tightly to prevent sogginess. Finding a balance between keeping the puff puffs warm and maintaining their texture was also important for me. 

The Event: Samaritan’s Purse

On the day of the Samaritan’s visit, our normally quiet church was filled with children. Mom had everything ready, from organizing present boxes to decorating the room. The children’s delight was evident, and it extended even to the adults. Despite efforts to preserve order, the children’s excitement was uncontrollable as they anticipated the special guests and gifts. It was a beautiful sight as all the children got a box. Then, I came in with a tray of warm puff puffs. With the help of the volunteers, we shared this goodness with the children. They loved every bite of it and were demanding more

Footnote

There’s a saying in some parts of the world that when there is no light inside the house, go to the terrace and look at the stars. I laughed a bit and also tried to smile at the recollection of such events and memories through the lively narrative of young Barko. Very relatable-much like looking into a younger version of myself in a wishful time and place. Warm hugs! :)) Truly sometimes we don’t remember to articulate the contribution of every person behind the scenes but those unseen, unheard are oft not unremembered. Their absence is felt more than their presence. I add here a short excerpt from a different book which struck a chord as I went through the article-

She looked down at the dusty floorboards. Imogen said they must go, they must go back to London, now.

In the train, on the way back, she said suddenly to Florence

‘I’d be happy if I never had to go back there again.’

‘Why?’ asked Florence, lightly.

‘I can’t bear to be so odd and so hopeless. It’s a place without hope. Well, the pots are hopeful, when the kiln doesn’t melt down. But- but- I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you and your father.’

“The Children’s Book” by A.S. Byatt

JERUSALEM BANANA BREAD ADVENTURE