Despite the ever-increasing availability of food delivery to your door, 98% of Americans still say that cooking at home is their preferred method of dining.
But, when you’re eating three meals a day, seven days a week, it’s unsurprising that sometimes you need a little inspiration. Whether you’re looking for something new, easy, quick, or with cultural diversity, African yam is an excellent choice.
At this point, you may be wondering how to cook it. That’s okay because we’re here to help and give you some inspiration for some great yam-based recipes.
Read on for everything you need to know about African yam dishes.
What Is African Yam?
“Yam” is the name for the plant species that belong to the genus “Dioscorea.” They are edible tubers, and some places in the world call them potatoes. However, there’s a common misconception that yams and sweet potatoes are the same things; they aren’t.
West African yam (Puna) is a popular staple in several African countries, and Nigeria produces most of the yam consumed globally.
You can store unpeeled yam for around seven days or freeze it for longer storage times.
The Basics of Cooking African Yam
If you’re wondering how to cook yam, there’s good news. It’s super easy. The easiest way to cook it is by boiling it; it’ll take under thirty minutes and requires very few ingredients.
All you need to do is cut your yam into round slices and peel the skins off with a knife. Add your sliced and peeled yam to a bowl of cold water and rinse it thoroughly.
Then, place the yam in a saucepan, cover it with water, and add some salt to taste. Put it on medium heat and cook until your fork can pierce the yam easily.
Finally, drain it and serve immediately for a delicious dish!
Winning African Yam Recipe Ideas
Although boiling African yams is traditional, there are plenty of ways to spice things up. Start by shopping at niyis.co.uk for herbs and spices that’ll compliment your dish.
Then, decide on your cooking method: boiling, roasting, frying, blending, or baking? The possibilities are endless.
You can make spicey yam soups, deep-fried yam balls, or simple roasted yam and vegetables. If you want to experience some Nigerian culture, Ofe Nsala (white soup) or Yam porridge are sure winners.
Finally, for the snackers in your house, you can make delicious baked yam chips to satisfy their cravings and provide nutrition at the same time.
Enjoy African Yam for Your Dinner Tonight
Now you know more about African yam and how to cook it, we hope it’ll be on your dinner menu tomorrow. This tasty and versatile vegetable can be a fun and new addition to your weekly food shop. With many different ways to prepare it, you can be sure the whole family will love it.Â
Did you find this article useful? If so, check out our other blog posts for more foodie inspiration.