5 flavorful vegetarian dishes using yams
What's the story
Being versatile and nutritious, yams are a staple in several African cuisines. These tubers are packed with vitamins and minerals, thus making them an excellent option for vegetarian dishes. Across Africa, the way yams are prepared varies widely, showcasing the continent's diverse culinary traditions. Here are five yam-based vegetarian dishes you must try to get a glimpse of African cuisine's unique flavors and cooking techniques.
Drive 1
Pounded yam delight
Pounded yam is a popular West African dish, especially in Nigeria. It consists of boiling yams soft and pounding them into a smooth, stretchy, dough-like mixture. This dish is commonly eaten with vegetable soups or stews made from spinach or okra. Together, they make for a hearty meal that is both filling and nutritious.
Drive 2
Yam porridge perfection
Popularly known as Asaro in Nigeria, yam porridge is a warm and comforting dish. Here, yams are cooked with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices until they form a thick stew-like consistency. You can add spinach or kale to this dish for added nutrition. It is a perfect harmony of flavors with a spicy kick and creamy texture from softened yams.
Drive 3
Fried yam slices
Fried yam slices make for a simple yet delicious snack or side dish across many African countries. The yams are peeled and sliced into thin rounds and fried till golden brown. They can be seasoned with salt or spices to enhance the flavor. Fried yam slices are usually enjoyed as is or paired with spicy sauces for dipping.
Drive 4
Yam balls savory snack
Yam balls are yet another delightful way to relish this versatile tuber. Cooked yams are mashed and combined with ingredients like onions, peppers, herbs, and spices before being shaped into small balls and deep-fried until crisp on the outside and soft inside. These savory snacks make for an excellent appetizer or party treat.
Drive 5
Roasted yam simplicity
Roasted yams are all about simplicity, without foregoing flavor or nutrition. They are baked whole and unpeeled, directly over open flames or in ovens, until soft inside but crisp outside. Most times, they're accompanied by spicy sauces made of blended tomatoes and other seasonings. These sauces make for delicious accompaniments, complementing the natural sweetness present in the roasted pieces themselves.