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Pounded Yam
Pounded yam is a beloved staple in Nigerian cuisine, cherished for its smooth and fluffy texture that perfectly complements a variety of rich and flavorful stews. Traditionally prepared by pummeling boiled yam until it becomes a stretchy, dough-like consistency, pounded yam is not only a satisfying dish but also a symbol of communal dining and celebration in many West African cultures. Serve it with your favorite soup or stew for a comforting meal that embodies the heart of Nigerian hospitality.
Instructions
- Peel the yam tubers and cut them into small chunks, about 1-2 inches in size to ensure even cooking.
- Place the yam chunks in a large pot and add enough water to cover them completely.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once the yam is well-pounded, add salt to taste and continue to mix until the salt is fully incorporated.
- Serve the pounded yam hot, forming it into small balls or mounds on a plate, perfect for dipping into your favorite soup or stew.
Tips
- For a quicker method, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to achieve a similar texture by mixing on medium speed until smooth.
- Consider serving pounded yam with rich Nigerian soups such as Egusi, Ogbono, or Banga, which enhance the dish's flavor profile.
- If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, pounded yam can also be made with yam flour (often labeled as 'instant pounded yam flour'), which only requires hot water to prepare.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Calories: 250 Fat: 0.5g Carbs: 58g Protein: 2g Sodium: 10mg Sugar: 0g
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