Lafun (Amala)
Lafun, also known as Amala, is a classic West African swallow made from just water and cassava flour. The Thermomix TM7 stirs and heats the mixture continuously, giving you a smooth, lump-free dough without the exhausting manual pounding. Serve this silky cassava puree with your favourite Nigerian soups for an authentic taste of home.
About this recipe
Lafun (Amala) with the Thermomix TM7 brings one of Nigeria's most beloved swallows straight into your modern kitchen. Searching for an authentic lafun recipe or cassava flour recipes for your all-in-one kitchen machine? This two-ingredient wonder relies entirely on technique, which is exactly where the TM7 shines. Cassava flour is slowly hydrated and stirred into a glossy, stretchy dough, a process that traditionally demands vigorous arm work over a hot stove. The Thermomix takes over that labour completely, heating and turning the mixture evenly so no lumps form and the texture stays wonderfully smooth. The result is a soft, slightly tangy swallow that pairs perfectly with egusi, ewedu or gbegiri soup for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering. Because it uses only cassava flour and water, it is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a brilliant side for mixed dietary needs.
Preparation tips
- Sift the cassava flour before adding it to the mixing bowl to break up any clumps, as lafun turns lumpy very quickly when dry flour meets hot water unevenly.
- Add the flour in small batches while the machine runs, letting each portion fully incorporate before the next; this patience rewards you with the signature stretchy, glossy lafun texture.
- Serve the lafun immediately in portions wrapped in cling film to keep it soft, and pair it with egusi or ewedu soup for the most traditional Nigerian experience.
Recipe variations
- For a lighter version, replace half of the cassava flour with plantain flour; this gives a milder, slightly sweet lafun that works beautifully with pepper soups.
- For a festive twist, stir a knob of butter or a spoon of red palm oil into the finished dough for extra richness and a golden hue that elevates your Nigerian feast table.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Precise weighing - The integrated scale of the Thermomix weighs the cassava flour to the gram for a consistent lafun texture. [Built-in Scale]
- Steady heating - The Thermomix heats the water evenly so the cassava flour hydrates without lumps or scorching. [Temperature Control]
- Hands-free mixing - The TM7 turns the stiff cassava dough continuously while you prepare egusi soup alongside. [Hands-Free]
- Fine grinding - The Thermomix grinds coarse cassava chunks into a fine, silky powder before cooking begins. [Multi-Functionality]. [Multi-Function]
- Effortless kneading - The Thermomix kneads the hot lafun into a smooth, elastic swallow without tiring your arms. [Time Saving]. [Time Savings]
Ingredients
- water
- cassava flour