5 creative ways to use yam in vegan dishes
What's the story
African yam is a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that can be creatively incorporated into various vegan dishes. With its starchy texture and mild flavor, yam makes an excellent base for many recipes. Whether you're looking to add a new twist to your meals or explore traditional African cuisine, yams offer endless possibilities. Here are five exciting ways to use African yam in vegan dishes that'll delight your taste buds.
Stir-fry
Yam and vegetable stir-fry
A simple yet flavorful way to enjoy African yam is by making a stir-fry. Start by peeling and slicing the yam into thin pieces. Saute them with a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli in olive oil. Add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for extra flavor. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients.
Soup
Creamy yam soup
Transform African yam into a creamy soup perfect for any season. Simply boil the peeled yams until tender, then blend them with coconut milk, vegetable broth, onions, and spices like cumin and coriander. The result is a rich and velvety soup that's both comforting and satisfying.
Patties
Spicy yam patties
Use mashed African yam to make delicious vegan patties. Mix the cooked yams with chickpea flour, chopped onions, cilantro, chili powder, and salt. Shape the mixture into patties and pan-fry until golden brown on both sides. These spicy patties make an excellent addition to sandwiches or can be enjoyed on their own.
Fries
Baked yam fries
For a healthier alternative to regular fries, you can try baking sliced African yams in the oven. Cut the yams into thin strips or wedges, toss them with olive oil, sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika, and bake at 200 degrees Celsius (about 392 degrees Fahrenheit) until crispy outside yet tender inside—30 minutes should do it. Serve these baked fries alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
Curry
Yam curry delight
Prepare an aromatic curry using chunks of boiled African yam and tomatoes, onions, and garlic paste simmered together under low heat along with spices such as turmeric powder, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. This flavorful dish pairs well with steamed rice and flatbreads alike, making for a delightful culinary experience without compromising the health benefits associated with consuming plant-based foods regularly!