West Africa · Breakfast
Toubani (Steamed Bean and Cassava Flour Pudding)
Savory, pillowy steamed cowpea and cassava tamales infused with potash, served hot with fiery spiced peanut oil and chili powder.
The story
Deeply anchored in the culinary heritage of the Tem and Kotokoli peoples of Central Togo, Toubani is a nourishing, protein-dense breakfast steamed at dawn. Sold in morning markets wrapped in broad Thaumatococcus leaves (banana leaf substitutes), it provides sustained energy for farmers and artisans alike. A hallmark technique is incorporating food-grade potash solution (kawe) into finely milled dried cowpea and cassava flours, which tenderizes the proteins and yields an exceptionally spongy, airy texture.
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