Kuli-kuli

Kuli-kuli is Benin's national dish, providing nutrition, protein, and sustenance to the poor and often malnourished locals with limited food access. This straightforward meal consists of ground, smashed peanuts formed into balls or biscuits and deep-fried in their own oils. Kuli-kuli is salty, spicy, and extremely crunchy. It is made entirely of peanuts, but it requires some special techniques to prepare.

Before frying, the paste is mixed with salt, pepper, and, if available, some spices. Simply put, it is deep-fried peanut butter. The finished product does not appear appetizing, but it tastes quite good, with golden brown fritters served hot or cold as a snack.

Traditionally, kuli-kuli take the form of small sticks, rings, or small pieces of dough. These are the three most common forms in Africa, but there are others. These addictive little peanut-based snacks are imported from Ghana. They make an excellent aperitif snack in place of chips and salted peanuts. Kuli-kuli are ubiquitous snacks in Ghana and are popular in all West African neighboring countries.

Kuli-kuli can also be sprinkled on salads or served with koko, fura, kamu, or garri soakings, a mixture of garri, sugar, and water.