Ghanaian Yam Balls
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Ghanaian Yam Balls are a popular snack or appetizer. Made from boiled and mashed yams, mixed with spices and often a touch of corned beef or other fillings, they are then coated and deep-fried to golden perfection.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Ghanaian yams(peeled and chopped into cubes)
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp White pepper
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper(optional)
- 0.5 cup Canned corned beef(optional, finely chopped)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- as needed Water
- 4 cups Vegetable oil(for deep frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the peeled and chopped yams in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the yams are soft and fork-tender. Drain the water and let the yams cool completely.
- 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled yams, 2 of the eggs, butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, white pepper, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chopped corned beef (if using). Mash and mix these ingredients together thoroughly using a potato masher and a spatula until well combined.
💡 Tip: Ensure yams are completely cool before mixing to avoid a gummy texture. - 3
Prepare a dredging station: Line a plate with parchment paper. Pour 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs onto another plate and mix in the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt. In a small bowl, beat the remaining 2 eggs.
💡 Tip: Using parchment paper makes for easier cleanup. - 4
Take a heaping spoonful of the yam mixture, form it into a ball, and roll it in the beaten eggs, ensuring all sides are coated. Then, coat the yam ball with breadcrumbs and set it aside on the parchment-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining yam mixture.
- 5
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer, wok, or large saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully deep-fry the yam balls in small batches until they are golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy yam balls. - 6
Remove the fried yam balls with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Serve with shito (Ghanaian hot pepper sauce) or your favorite dipping sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother mixture, you can process the cooked yams in a food processor.
- ✓If you don't have Ghanaian yams, other starchy yams can be used, but cooking times may vary.
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped onions or peppers to the yam mixture for extra flavor.
- Incorporate shredded chicken or fish as a filling.
- Experiment with different breadcrumbs or coatings like crushed cornflakes.