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Nigerian🍳 Medium

Traditional Pounded Yam Iyan

40 mintotal
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
4servings
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A smooth, stretchy, and dough-like staple made from boiled African white yams, traditionally pounded in a mortar.

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Ingredients

Servings:4
  • 1 1/2 kg African White Yam (Puna Yam)
  • 1 1/2 liters Water for boiling
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt(optional)
  • 1/2 cup Hot water for texture adjustment
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil (for coating hands/pestle)(optional)
  • 2 cups Egusi Soup (for serving)(optional)
  • 500 grams Assorted Meats (for serving)(optional)
  • 1 bunch Fresh Spinach(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Peel the yam tubers thoroughly, removing all brown skin and spots until the white flesh is exposed.

  2. 2

    Slice the peeled yam into medium-sized cubes and rinse them twice in cool water to remove excess starch.

  3. 3

    Place the yam cubes in a large pot, add enough water to cover them completely, add salt if desired, and bring to a boil.

  4. 4

    Cook the yams for 20-25 minutes or until a fork easily pierces through the center of the largest cube.

  5. 5

    Drain the water and immediately transfer the hot yam cubes into a traditional wooden mortar.

  6. 6

    Pound the yams vigorously with a pestle, using a rhythmic crushing and folding motion to eliminate all lumps.

  7. 7

    Add small splashes of the hot cooking water as needed to achieve a smooth, stretchy, and elastic consistency.

  8. 8

    Once the dough is uniform and glossy, mold it into large balls using a wet bowl or lightly oiled hands and serve immediately.

Nutrition per Serving

345

Calories

4g

Protein

80g

Carbs

0g

Fat

12g

Fiber

1g

Sugar

290mg

Sodium

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