Yam is the common name for some plant species in the genus Dioscorea that form edible tubers.
Yams are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption of their starchy tubers in many temperate and tropical regions, especially in West Africa, South America and the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania.
Yam is one of Africa’s basic meals. However, few people prepare it in any other style than boiling and frying. In essence, yams are extremely adaptable and can be prepared in a variety of delightful and creative ways.
Yam is a nutritious tuber that can be exploited to make a variety of traditional and modern dishes. It is one super delicious food with a variety of recipes and delicacies to enjoy.
Yam lovers would be having the best time of their life reading this because it consists of everything you need to know about your favorite food and guess what? This write-up also includes incredible health benefits of African yam that will blow your mind.
Health benefits of yam
* Yam is very rich in vitamins
* Yam helps in the improvement of the digestive health
* Yam can help in weight loss
* Yam helps in the improvement of the hair and skin
* Yam is said to have the potential to promote fertility
* Yam is said to prevent anemia
* Yam helps in the improvement of the eyesight
* Yam helps in the improvement of cholesterol levels
* Yam is said to have potential cancer-fighting properties
Here are eight different delicacies that can be made from yam during this Christmas.
- Yamarita
Yamarita is simply egg-coated yam. This meal which is easy to prepare combines the taste of fried yam and eggs, all in one bite.
Yamrita is made by dipping the sliced yams in seasoned whisked eggs before frying them. Very simple and delicious.
2. Yam balls
This super sweet delicacy, yam balls, takes the form of scotch eggs, but in this case, it's got the fillings of meat pie, spring rolls, samosa, shawarma, and similar snacks
To prepare yam balls, the yam is first boiled and blended to make a mash of it. The mash is further used to wrap any kind of fillings you want, like veggies, shredded beef, and the likes, and then coated with eggs before deep frying.
3. Baked yam and cheese
To make baked yam and cheese, first, boil some slices of yam till it's soft and in a separate pot, make a sauce with assorted meats and veggies.
In a baking pan, spread the sauce and then spread the cooked yam on the sauce and add grated cheese to it. Bake till the cheese melts. Serve and enjoy the incredible taste of this delicacy.
READ ALSO: Recipe Wednesday: How to prepare Ghana beef Jollof for your Christmas party
- Yam porridge
Yam porridge is more like Jollof yam where cooking oil and other spices are used to make yam, unlike white yam that is just plain.
- Boiled yam and egg sauce
This is probably the easiest and most popular yam dish. Boil some yams, fry some eggs. Then eat them all together (or simply enjoy the cooked yam with some oil).
The method of preparation is pretty straightforward. After peeling off its back, and slicing the yam. Wash the yam slices and place them in a pot. Cover and cook for around 30 minutes. Drain the water and serve with your favorite stew or sauce (my favorite sauce would always be eggs though).
- Pounded yam
This is a traditional way of eating yam. Boil the yam until it is soft. Pound the yam using a mortar and a pestle till it becomes fluffy and compact.
Serve with any soup of your choice and enjoy.
Like many other foods, yam has got a lot of awesome ways you can enjoy it. So, why should anyone stick to one way, when there are several?
- Fried yam
Deep-fried yam can be served with a variety of stews and pepper sauces. The chips are fried such that the outside is crispy and the inside is wet, blissful, and yummy, I must say.
For breakfast, serve with Pap or custard or even a tomato omelet. For brunch or as a light meal, serve with any sauce you want: Beef & chicken sauce, egg sauce, corned beef sauce, garden egg sauce.
You can serve and enjoy this crunchy, and tasty dish with a chilled drink.
8. Roasted yam
This is one of the most popular street snacks. The white yam with brown bark is used to make this dish.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut yams in half, and set the cut side up in a shallow cooking plate just large enough to contain them all in one layer. Sprinkle with olive oil and top it up with thyme. Add salt & pepper for your seasoned taste. Allow it to grill for 35 to 45 minutes until it is golden brown and extremely soft.
