| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 382 | 28g | 6g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 6g | 4g | 0.38g |
One of my all-time favorite vegetable-based wonder is the Elephant Foot Yam Fry. Not only does it make my taste buds dance, but it also encapsulates the robust flavors of the land where I originated: the heartland of Nebraska. This particular dish, however, carries a fusion twist, marrying the homely essence of Midwestern cookery with the tantalizing taste of global culinary traditions. Just imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, crisp yam slice, seasoned with the potent harmony of such spices as turmeric, cumin, red chili, and coriander. Absolutely mouth-watering!
A Dish Rooted in Health and Flavor
This recipe isn’t just an explosion of flavors, it’s also a powerhouse of health benefits, just like many of the ingredients used in traditional Midwestern dishes. Elephant foot yam, the star of the dish, is a superb source of dietary fiber and essential minerals, helping with digestive issues and enhancing overall wellness.
Besides this tuberous magnificence, the potent spices utilized in this recipe aren’t just for taste. Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, red chili powder, a known metabolism booster, and coriander, known for its digestive aid, all play vital roles in making this meal not just delicious, but also nutritious.
A Versatile Delight Perfect for Any Meal
What I especially appreciate about the Elephant Foot Yam Fry is its versatility. Whether as a side dish, an appetizer, or even the main star of the meal, it effortlessly complements various dishes. Its savory and fiery flavors are a perfect match to the creaminess of a corn casserole or the hearty rich depth of a beef stew, both iconic dishes from the Midwestern kitchen that I hold dear.
The recipe’s adaptability doesn’t stop there. You can pair this fry with a refreshing green salad, a bowl of steamed rice, or with a simple flatbread. And if you fancy another layer of flavor, consider garnishing it with a quick drizzle of lemon juice, which not only brightens the dish but also offers a pleasant tanginess that cuts through the spice mix.
Whether you’re from Nebraska like me or from the opposite side of the globe, trying the Elephant Foot Yam Fry is a culinary adventure you surely don’t want to miss. So, pick up that skillet, gather your spices, and prepare to be won over by this Midwestern-tinted international delicacy.
What You’ll Need
- 2 medium-sized Elephant Foot Yams (equivalent to 2 lbs)
- 2 teaspoons Turmeric Powder
- 2 teaspoons Red Chili Powder
- 2 teaspoons Coriander Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups Vegetable Oil, for deep frying
- 2 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
- 1-inch piece of Ginger, finely chopped
- 2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
- 2 medium-sized Onions, finely chopped
- 2 medium-sized Tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped Coriander Leaves, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped Mint Leaves, for garnish
Method
Step One
First, wash and peel the Elephant Foot Yams. Cut them into 1-inch cubes and soak in water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, drain the water and pat the yam cubes dry using a kitchen towel.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix it well and then toss the cubed yams in this spice mixture until they are well coated. Set the coated yams aside for about 15-20 minutes to marinate.
Step Three
In a deep frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Carefully, add the marinated yams into the hot oil and deep fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
Step Four
Reduce the heat to medium and remove any excess oil, leaving only about 2 tablespoons in the pan. To this, add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Stir-fry for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Step Five
Add the chopped onions to the pan and stir-fry until they become translucent. Following this, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and pulpy.
Step Six
Now, add the fried yams back to the pan and mix well with the onion-tomato mixture. Cook it on a low flame for about 10 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent the yams from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step Seven
Switch off the flame and drizzle the lemon juice over the yam fry. Stir gently to mix in the lemon juice.
Step Eight
Finally, garnish the Elephant Foot Yam Fry with chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves. Serve it hot with rice or roti.
