Yam, specifically African yam, is a widely consumed staple in West Africa and the Caribbean. This article explores a variety of delicious Nigerian yam recipes, showcasing the versatility and rich flavors of this ingredient.
Different Types of Yam
There are different types of yam, including:
- White yam: has a brown skin and white inner color with a rough skin.
- Yellow yam: has a brown skin, just like white yam, but is yellow internally.
These are the popular Nigerian Yams. White yam is often preferred, but yellow yam can be used as well depending on availability.
How to Prepare Yam
African Yam can be cooked in many ways including boiling, frying and roasting. All of these methods require peeling the skin off. The easiest way to peel African yam is to use a sharp knife to slice it into round slices about 1 inch thick, then peel the skin off each slice. Try to peel as little of the yam with the skin as possible to prevent wastage. You should drop each peeled slice in a bowl of water to avoid discoloration.
Popular Nigerian Yam Recipes
1. Fried Yam (Dundun)
Fried yam (dundun) is a popular street food in Nigeria. Fried Yam (Dundun) and Ata Dindin is a very popular Nigerian street food combo. Fried Yam (Dundun) is just as the name depicts, Fried Yam, while Ata dindin is the Yoruba language interpretation of Fried Stew.
Read also: Explore Vegan Nigerian Cuisine
Ingredients:
- 1 kg Yam
- 3 eggs
- 2 spoons of flour
- 300 ml Vegetable Oil
- Teaspoon of ginger
- Teaspoon of garlic
- a teaspoon of ground pepper
- 1 cube of knorr sweetener
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Peel off the back of the yam and slice to any size and shape then boil for about 15 minutes.
- It should be soft and well cooked.
- In a frying pan, add vegetable oil and allow to heat up.
- Whisk egg, add flour and ginger, garlic, pepper, salt and knorr cube.
- Dip the yam into the egg batter and place in the frying pan.
- Fry till golden brown then serve.
2. Baked African Yam Chips
Yam chips can be a snack or a main meal, suitable for any time of the day. Baking the yam rather than frying is not only convenient, it also means you get crispy yam chips every time.
Ingredients:
- African White yam or yellow yam
- Your favorite spices (salt, onion powder, chilli flakes)
- Butter or oil
Instructions:
Read also: Explore Nigerian Vegetarian Recipes
- Preheat the oven to 170°C.
- Cut off one end of the yam and cut into big chunks.
- Peel the yam and cut into sticks/batons.
- Drop the yam into a bowl of water to prevent browning.
- Pour the yam sticks into a colander to drain, then pour in a bowl.
- Melt the butter so it turns liquid.
- Pour into the bowl with some salt and the spices.
- Toss the yam to get even coating on all pieces and pour on a baking tray.
- Make sure the oven has achieved the right temperature, and place the tray in.
- Leave to bake for 20 mins.
3. Yam Porridge/Pottage (Asaro)
Yam Porridge/ Pottage also known as Asaro by the Yoruba People of Western Nigeria, is a Stewed Mashed Yam delicacy. Yam Porridge is made with White/Puna Yam.
4. Yamarita (Dundun Oniyeri)
Yamarita, also known as “Dundun Oniyeri” was one of my best meals from TFC (Tastee Fried Chicken) back then in Nigeria. Made from flour coated boiled Yam, this meal was an absolute delight!
5. Yam and Plantain Pottage
Yam and Plantain Pottage also known as Yam and Plantain Porridge is a yummy fusion of Yam, Plantain and Tomato stew. It’s a yummy take on the popular Yam pottage also known as Asaro in Nigeria.
6. Tilapia and Yam Pepper Soup
Tilapia and Yam Pepper soup is really just parboiled yam cooked in fish broth. The best fish to use is Catfish as it is naturally tasty however, Tilapia is easier to come by in these parts, so I find myself using Tilapia more often than not.
7. Sweet Potato Porridge
This very yummy and delicious Nigerian style sweet potato porridge reminds me of my childhood.
Read also: Nigerian Christmas Traditions
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Onions
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Dry fish
- Bell peppers
- Tomato paste (or fresh tomatoes)
- Ground crayfish
- Salt
- Pepper
- Seasoning cubes
Instructions:
- Wash, peel, and cut sweet potatoes; set aside.
- Chop the other vegetables as well.
- Set a clean pot/pan on the stove, and turn the stove to medium and allow to warm up.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and tomato paste for about 2 minutes.
- Add ground crayfish, dry fish, seasonings, spices, and water.
- Cover the pot, and cook for the next 15 - 20 minutes or until the potatoes soften.
- Finally, stir in the spinach when the potatoes are soft and simmer for another 1 - 2 minutes.
You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular (white) potatoes; mix both if you so desire.
8. Pounded Yam
This pounded yam recipe is the real deal. A beloved staple in West Africa that comes together effortlessly with a food processor. Pounded yams are traditionally made using a mortar and pestle, pounding them until soft and smooth. It takes time and energy; just thinking about it makes me tired. Good thing someone invented food processors to make our life a lot easier. Whew!
Swallows are a West African staple and often accompany stews and soups. These are soft, chewy foods with a dough-like consistency you can easily swallow even without chewing, hence the name swallow. We usually eat it with our right hand, creating a small ball and pressing the dough in the center to make an indentation. This serves as a spoon to scoop out soup or stew.
Pounded Yam With A Processor ! Nigerian Food.
Instructions:
- Peel true yams (not orange sweet potatoes) with a sharp knife, peeling away from your body (so you don’t cut yourself). Carefully draw the paring knife down the side of the yam, taking care not to remove too much flesh.
- Add to a medium pot with enough water to barely cover the yams, salt to taste, and cook the yams until tender.
- Remove from heat and immediately drain yams in a colander.
- Add the boiled yams to a food processor. Start pulsing in 20-30-second intervals, checking for smoothness as you go. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved water as needed to achieve the desired stretchy and soft texture.
Serve with ogbono soup, egusi soup or your favorite soup.
Storage Tips
Firstly, ensure the yams for storing are good, healthy yams. Yam should then be stored in a cool, dry place. Protect from direct Sunlight and water. You can freeze raw ( cut, peel, rinse and freeze) or cook and freeze. It can be frozen for 3-6 months.
These are just some of the many popular and delicious yam recipes in Nigeria. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and discovering your own favorite yam dishes!
