Teresa's Recipes
Urum - Nigerian Yam in Palm Oil Sauce
Urum is a vibrant and aromatic traditional Nigerian dish that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of West Africa. With tender yam cubes bathed in a rich and colorful palm oil sauce, this dish is elevated by the fiery warmth of scotch bonnet peppers and the sweet crunch of red bell peppers. Urum is not just a meal; it is a celebration of Nigerian culinary heritage, often served during festive gatherings and family celebrations. The combination of ingredients creates a delightful symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Nigeria.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized, peeled and cut into cubes Yam
- Enough to cover the yam cubes Water
- 1 teaspoon (to taste) Salt
- 1 Stock cube
- 2 medium, chopped Tomato
- 1, chopped (adjust to taste) Scotch bonnet pepper
- 1, chopped Red bell pepper
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 1/2 cup Palm oil
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- In a large pot, add enough water to cover the yam cubes and season with salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the yam cubes to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large frying pan, heat the palm oil over medium heat until it shimmers, being careful not to overheat it.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped red bell pepper, scotch bonnet pepper, and chopped tomato. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the tomatoes have released their juices.
- Crumble the stock cube into the pan, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Gently add the boiled yam cubes to the sauce, carefully mixing to coat them without breaking them.
- Cover the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the yam absorbs the sauce and flavors.
- Serve hot as a main dish or alongside grilled meats for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating a handful of spinach or other leafy greens into the sauce.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of scotch bonnet pepper or remove the seeds before chopping.
- Urum can be served with grilled fish or chicken for a well-rounded meal.