Pounded Yam

Ingredients

Yam

2 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks

Salt

to taste

Water

enough to cover the yam

Instructions

1. Peel the yam tubers and cut them into small chunks, about 1-2 inches in size to ensure even cooking.
2. Place the yam chunks in a large pot and add enough water to cover them completely.
3. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook the yam until it is soft and can be easily pierced with a fork, about 20-30 minutes.
4. Carefully drain the water from the pot and transfer the cooked yam to a mortar or a large mixing bowl. If using a mortar and pestle, ensure you have a sturdy pestle for effective pounding.
5. Using a pestle or a wooden spoon, begin to pound the yam in a circular motion. Continue this process until the yam transforms into a smooth, stretchy, and fluffy consistency. This may take around 5-10 minutes of vigorous pounding.
6. Once the yam is well-pounded, add salt to taste and continue to mix until the salt is fully incorporated.
7. Serve the pounded yam hot, forming it into small balls or mounds on a plate, perfect for dipping into your favorite soup or stew.