Today, I’m kicking off a new series all about the diverse dishes you can make with foods in your kitchen. And our star ingredient for the day is… you guessed it—Yam! It is a widely consumed staple in Nigerian cuisine, cherished for its versatility, and satisfying texture. For those who haven’t had it before, imagine a potato, but with a more robust character and a touch less sweetness than sweet potatoes. Yam can be prepared in various ways, each offering a unique taste and experience.
Credit: Pexels
Different Ways to Enjoy Yam
1. Boiled Yam
Boiled yam is one of the most common ways to prepare this tuber in Nigeria. When boiled, it retains a soft yet firm texture with a starchy, earthy taste. It serves as a perfect base for various accompaniments such as:
- Fried eggs – A popular breakfast pairing.
- Fried pepper sauce – A spicy, flavourful blend of tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
- Garden egg sauce – A rich, savoury sauce made from garden eggs (African eggplants).
- Palm oil & salt – A simple, traditional combination that enhances the yam’s natural flavour.
- Butter or Oil – A more modern twist, adding creaminess.
2. Fried Yam
Fried yam is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is a popular street food and sometimes added as a side with grilled fish. It’s also a quick home-cooked meal and can be paired with:
- Egg sauce – A rich, savoury tomato and egg mixture.
- Pepper sauce – A spicy and peppery sauce that complements the crispy texture.
3. Pounded Yam
This is a popular “swallow” among the Yorubas and Bendel region. Pounded yam is a smooth, stretchy dish made by boiling yam and pounding it with a mortar and pestle into a soft, dough-like consistency. In my opinion, pounded yam is the ultimate swallow and nothing else comes close. “Pounded yam, not Poundo yam!” is my motto, and I stand by it every day. With its smooth, stretchy texture, it stands in a class of its own, pairing perfectly with a variety of Nigerian soups like Efo riro (vegetable soup), Nsala (white soup), and egusi soup.
4. Yam Porridge (Asaro)
Yam porridge is a “one-pot” dish made by cutting yam chunks and cooking it in a flavourful sauce of peppers, onions, palm oil, spices and leafy greens like spinach or Ugu for a balanced diet.
5. Yam Flour (Elubo)
Yam can be processed into flour (elubo), which is then used to make Amala, a smooth, stretchy dish commonly eaten with soups. It pairs best with:
- Gbegiri – A creamy bean soup with pepper, palm oil and seasoning.
- Ewedu – A slimy green soup made from jute leaves.
Yam holds great significance in Nigerian culture and cuisine. In fact, in many Nigerian tribes, it is traditionally included as part of the bride price. It’s a symbol of sustenance, prosperity, and tradition. Whether boiled, fried, or pounded, yam remains a beloved food and it’s truly at the heart of Nigerian cooking.
Do you like yam? What’s your best meal to make with yam? I’d love to hear from you!
Love,
Ayobambo