Oto (Mashed Yam with Palm Oil)
Oto is a traditional Ghanaian dish made from boiled and mashed yams, mixed with red palm oil, onions, and seasonings. It's often served with hard-boiled eggs and is a celebratory dish, frequently prepared for birthdays and naming ceremonies.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 large Ghanaian yams(about 2 lbs total, peeled and cubed)
- 0.25 cup Red palm oil
- 1 medium Red onion(finely chopped)
- 1 Shrimp bouillon cube(optional, for added flavor)
- to taste Salt
- 4 large Hard-boiled eggs(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed yams and boil until they are fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes.
💡 Tip: Do not overcook the yams, as they can become mushy. - 2
While the yams are boiling, heat the red palm oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Caramelizing the onions brings out their sweetness. - 3
If using, add the shrimp bouillon cube to the caramelized onions and stir until fully dissolved. Remove the pan from heat.
- 4
Once the yams are tender, drain them thoroughly and place them in a large bowl. Mash the yams until smooth.
💡 Tip: Mashing while the yams are still warm is easier. - 5
Add the red palm oil and onion mixture to the mashed yams. Mix well until the yams turn a vibrant yellow color and are evenly coated. Season with salt to taste.
💡 Tip: The red palm oil gives Oto its characteristic color and flavor. - 6
Serve the Oto warm, topped with whole hard-boiled eggs. It can also be served with roasted peanuts or avocado slices.
💡 Tip: Oto is often served as a breakfast dish or for special occasions.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure you use red palm oil for the authentic color and flavor.
- ✓If Ghanaian yams are unavailable, other starchy yams can be substituted.
- ✓For a richer flavor, some add a pinch of ground ginger or a bay leaf when cooking the onions.
🔄 Variations
- Some variations use mashed ripe plantains instead of yams.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a hint of spice.
- Serve with a side of grilled fish or chicken.