Igname Pilée avec Sauce Poivron Tomate
A hearty dish of pounded yam served with a vibrant and slightly spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce, often with added fish or meat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Yam(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 large Red bell pepper(seeded and roughly chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(fresh, roughly chopped)
- 1 large Onion(roughly chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 1 inch piece Ginger
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(or to taste, seeded if less heat is desired)
- 4 tbsp Palm oil
- 300 g Fish or meat(e.g., smoked fish, chicken, or beef, optional)
- 1 tbsp Crayfish powder
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- as needed Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the yam chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until very tender, about 25-30 minutes. Drain the yam, reserving some cooking water.
- 2
While the yam is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a blender, combine the red bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper. Add a little water if needed to help blend into a smooth puree.
- 3
In a separate pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. If using fish or meat, add it now and sauté for a few minutes. Remove and set aside if desired, or leave in the sauce.
- 4
Pour the blended pepper and tomato mixture into the pot with the palm oil. Add crayfish powder and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the oil starts to separate.
- 5
Return the cooked fish or meat to the sauce if removed earlier. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 6
While the sauce simmers, pound the cooked yam in a mortar and pestle until smooth and elastic. Add a little of the reserved yam cooking water or fresh water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Alternatively, use a food processor or stand mixer with a dough hook.
- 7
Serve the pounded yam (Igname Pilée) hot, with a generous portion of the tomato and bell pepper sauce spooned over it.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Pounding yam requires significant effort; a food processor can be a good alternative.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper for desired heat level.
- ✓Smoked fish adds a unique depth of flavor to the sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like spinach or green beans to the sauce.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of yam for a different flavor profile.