Pounded Yam
A smooth, stretchy, and satisfying staple of Nigerian cuisine, traditionally made by pounding boiled yam until it achieves a dough-like consistency. It's often referred to as 'swallow' because it's used to scoop up soups and stews.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Yam(Choose firm, white yam (also known as 'Puna' yam). Avoid older, softer yams which can be watery.)
- as needed Water(For boiling the yam and potentially for adjusting the consistency during pounding.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the yam: Peel the yam thoroughly, removing all the brown skin and any blemishes. Cut the yam into uniform chunks, about 2-3 inches thick, to ensure even cooking.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Boil the yam: Place the yam chunks in a large pot and cover with enough water to fully submerge them. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the yam is very tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 20-25 minutes. Drain the water completely.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 3
Begin pounding: While the yam is still very hot (this is crucial for achieving the right texture), transfer the chunks to a sturdy mortar. Using a strong pestle, begin to pound the yam. Initially, break down the large chunks.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Incorporate and smooth: As the yam breaks down, start to incorporate the pieces together, scraping down the sides of the mortar as needed. Continue pounding with a rhythmic motion, turning the pestle in a circular motion while pounding. The yam will start to become sticky and form a cohesive mass. If it becomes too dry or difficult to pound, you can add a tablespoon or two of hot water, but be sparing.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Achieve desired consistency: Continue pounding and turning until the yam is completely smooth, elastic, and has a dough-like consistency, with no lumps. This stage requires significant effort and can take time. The pounded yam should be pliable and stretchy.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Serve: Shape the pounded yam into balls or portions using a spoon or your hands (lightly greased or wet to prevent sticking). Serve immediately with your favorite Nigerian soup or stew, such as Egusi soup, Okra soup, or Banga soup.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a very sturdy mortar and pestle. The process is labor-intensive.
- ✓Pounding while the yam is hot is essential for a smooth, stretchy texture. Work quickly.
- ✓If the yam is too dry during pounding, add a tablespoon of hot water at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding more.
- ✓For easier handling, lightly grease your hands with vegetable oil or wet them with water before shaping the pounded yam.
- ✓Pounded yam is best served immediately after preparation.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Modern methods using food processors or electric mixers can achieve a similar result, though the texture may differ slightly from traditional pounding.
- Pre-packaged pounded yam flour (often called 'Poundo' or 'Fufu flour') is a convenient alternative that requires mixing with hot water and stirring to form a dough.