West Africa · Side
Wô (Fermented White Cornmeal Swallow)
A foundational Beninese smooth and elastic swallow prepared by vigorously stirring fermented white corn dough into boiling water until glossy and cohesive.
The story
Wô is the indispensable daily lifeblood of the Fon people across southern and central Benin, anchoring family lunches and evening communal gatherings. The foundation of authentic Wô is mawè, a traditionally wet-milled white maize that undergoes a short natural lacto-fermentation to yield its characteristic refreshing sour profile. Achieving the ideal translucent gloss and lump-free elasticity requires precise vigorous paddle work against the pot wall to fully gelatinize the corn starch.
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