5 Incredible African Yam Dishes You Have To Try

Let us talk about Yam and different African yam dishes. Yam lovers would be having the time of their life with this article because it consists of everything you need to know about your favorite food and guess what? This article also includes incredible African yam dishes that will blow your mind.

What Is A Yam?

Before you get into the different types of African yam dishes, don’t you want to know some basic information about yam?

Everyone hears yam and thinks oh it’s a good, good f course yam is a type of food, but what do you know about your food?

That is why the African food network is here for you, giving you good and amazing information about the food you eat every day, that’s why we try to keep you informed and updated on the types of food you eat and the necessary information about these African foods that you eat and enjoy.

The complex definition of yam is; It is from the plant species with the genus name Dioscorea, these species of plants (Dioscorea) at known to form what can easily be termed “edible tumors”.

Yams are mostly cultivated for their starchy properties, which are also rich in some nutrients like potassium and iron, but Yam is not a source of fiber.

Yams can be found in so many places around the world, but the most popular regions with yams are; South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa.

The regular type of yam that you see every day is not the only type of yam in the world; Yes, there are different types of yams and we are going to be looking at a few of them.

Different Types Of Yam 

You are going to be seeing the different types of yam, what was that saying about more being the merrier?

More yam means, more African yam dishes, more recipes, more nutritional benefits and guess what? More fun.

There are different types of yam, and these different types of yam have their health benefits, dishes, and their overall taste, and they all taste great.

The First Type Of Yam Is: Dioscorea Alata 

This type of yam originates from Asia, you might know them as purple yam or winged yam.

This variety of yam is not grown as much as the other varieties in Africa but it can easily be found in some countries in Asia, some parts of Africa, the Pacific islands, and the West Indies. The vines of this variety of yams can grow up to 10m or even more! Is this not amazing?

The tubers of this variety of yam are said to have purple flesh, and they can from for about 8-10 months.

The purple yam also goes dormant for about 2-4 months and during this stage of dormancy, the aerial stems of the purple yam dieback.

The Second Type Of Yam Is: Dioscorea esculenta

It would be said that this species of yam is the first yam species to be cultivated.

This variety of yam is not usually cultivated in large quantities across other parts of the world, although, it is mostly grown in Southeast Asia.

The vines of this species of yam are said to grow up to about 3meteres, or less, and the tubers of this type of yam are said to be very smalls.

Mechanical cultivation of this species of yam is done, mostly because of the small size of the tubers.

The amazing thing about this type of yam is the taste, the taste is said to be amazing, and it is also very easy to cook.

The Third Type Of Yam Is: Dioscorea Bulbifera 

This type of yam is well known for its bulbils. The bulbils of this variety of yam usually grow at the base of the leaves, and the size is said to be about the size of a potato.

This variety of yam is also referred to as ‘Air Potatoes’ this is as a result of the size and the physical appearance, which is said to have some similarities with the regular potatoes.

The air potato is said to weigh about 0.5 to 2.0kg and it is not usually grown commercially.

The bulbils of this type of yam are known to have more importance than the actual yam tubers.

The Fourth Type Of Yam Is: Dioscorea dumetorum 

This is another amazing variety of yams, and it is very popular in the western parts of Africa, in most countries, especially Nigeria.

This variety of yam is also popular for its bitter taste and is also referred to as bitter yam.

Nutritional Content Of Yam

This section of the article is looking at the different types of minerals and nutrients that you would be getting from yam.

It is important to know this information about your food so that you would know and understand the right amount of yam to eat and ways to know how to enjoy your African yam dishes in moderation.

Let us take a look at the nutritional content of yam:

Health Benefits Of Yam 

Of course, yam has some great health benefits and we are going to be looking into that

• Yam is known to be of great help in the reduction of inflammation.

Yam is highly rich in antioxidants and the presence of these antioxidants is known to help in the reduction of inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is usually linked to some other diseases like heart disease and others, yam is one of those African foods that will help prevent and control inflammation hence, protecting you against these harmful diseases.

• Yam is rich in potassium and manganese.

These nutrients are responsible for the health of the bone, it helps strengthen the bones and improves the health of the vines.

Yam is rich in these nutrients, which means, yam is going to be of great help with the improvement of the health of the bones.

• Yam is very rich in vitamins
• Yam helps in the improvement of the digestive health
• Yam can help in weight loss
• Yam helps in the improvement of the hair and skin
• Yam is said to have the potential to promote fertility
• Yam is said to prevent anemia
• Yam helps in the improvement of the eyesight
• Yam helps in the improvement of cholesterol levels
• Yam is said to have potential cancer-fighting properties

The health benefits of yam are so great; You should see the African yam dishes. Yam is not just a food, it can help the body in so many ways, just as you have seen in the health benefits of yam.

The fun does not stop here, you are about to get to the main event of this article and that would be the African yam dishes.

Yam is such a versatile food and it can be enjoyed in so many ways, don’t worry you would get to see just how amazing and versatile yam can be. Sit tight, relax and enjoy this list of five African yam dishes that will blow your mind.

African Yam Dishes 

On a weekend and you are looking for something exciting, tasty, and nutritious to munch on, and you don’t want to go through the process of making something heavy, you just want something light to bite on while you watch that movie, or you work on that weekend project, or you just want to eat something, these African yam dishes are going to be the best option for you.

They are simply easy to make so that you would not have to spend so much time in the kitchen, and they are delicious and highly nutritious.

You can check them out for yourself here at African Food Network.

Let us take a look at the five different African yam dishes that will blow your mind.

The first African yam dish on this list of 5 African yam dishes that will blow your mind is: YAMARITA

If this is not your first time reading about yamarita, or you have been given the chance to try yamarita, you would understand why it is the first African yam dish on this list.

This African yam dish is very popular in West African, especially in countries like Ghana and Nigeria, in Nigeria, yamarita is popular in the Northern parts, but it can be found in almost every part of the country.

To simply define yamarita, it is a dish that involves the coating of the yam with raw eggs and some other ingredients to enhance the taste and flavor, after the yam is dipped in the eggs, it is then deep-fried. The result of the deep-frying is called Yamarita.

On a nice Saturday morning, you can enjoy Yamarita with hot pap (ogi) or custard, or even a glass of some fresh fruit juice.

This is a yam dish that everyone should be a part of because it is amazing and of course it is nutrient-filled.

This African yam dish is not time-consuming to prepare it is easy and fast to prepare, so you don’t have to spend so much time in the kitchen, you can simply just make yourself some yamarita in less than an hour.

You can get the recipe for this amazing African yam dish here at the African food network.

The second African yam dish on this list of 5 African yam dishes that will blow your mind is: VEGETABLE SAUCE AND YAM

From the name alone, you can already tell that this dish would be packed with incredible nutrients that would have you feeling happy and refreshed with just one tasty and incredible African yam dish.

The name already gives off the secret to the description of this amazing African yam dish; Vegetable sauce and yam is the pairing up of yam with vegetable sauce.

The yam can be eaten in any way you love, it can either be boiled, fried, or roasted. Anyhow you love your yam, it will still taste great and nutritious.

The vegetable content of this African yam dish is the main part of this dish, and there are some ingredients required for the preparation of this yam dish, and they are;

• Vegetables (Any vegetable of your choice, to get amazing ideas on the types of vegetables to use for the preparation of your vegetable sauce, you can check out this article here at the African food network).
• Tomatoes
• Fresh peppers
• Fish (Any type of fish you love can be used, to get ideas on the type of fish you would love to add to your vegetable sauce, you can check out this article here at the African food network).
• Crayfish
• Seasoning
• Spices
• Cooking oil

With these few ingredients, you can prepare yourself the most amazing and nutritious vegetable sauce and yam.

The third African Yam Dish On This List Of 5 African Yam Dishes That Will Blow Your Mind is: AFRICAN YAM PORRIDGE

This is a very popular staple in Nigeria, it is also a traditional dish that is highly nutritious, this is as a result of the ingredients used to prepare this African yam dish.

If you have had African yam porridge, then you know why it just cannot be omitted from this list of five incredible African yam dishes that will blow your mind.

African yam porridge is an amazing African yam dish that is filled with great ingredients that makes it so rich, juicy, and healthy.

African yam porridge is a one-pot dish, easy to prepare, and not time-consuming, you can get the recipe for this amazing African yam porridge here at the African food network.

There are a few ingredients required for the preparation of African yam porridge and they are;

• Palm oil
• Fresh peppers
• Dry peppers
• Kpomo (optional)
• Dry fish
• Smoked fish
• Beef (optional)
• Seasoning
• Salt
• Water
• Yam
• Vegetables (optional)

On a really good day and you are looking for an African dish to prepare and have an amazing time with, African yam porridge is the dish for you. With its great health benefits and amazing taste, you would not want to miss out on this great opportunity to try out this incredible African yam dish.

The Forth African Yam Dish On This List Of 5 African Yam Dishes That Will Blow Your Mind Is: YAM PEPPER SOUP 

Pepper soup comes in different variations and yam pepper soup is one of them.

Pepper soup is a very popular Dish in Africa, especially Nigeria. This African yam dish consists of hot spices, mostly pepper.

There are some spices required to achieve the taste of this African yam dish. You can check out this article about different spices and how to use them, here at the African food network.

There are few other ingredients required for the preparation of this African yam dish, and they are;

• Yam
• Fish (or whatever meat you want to use)
• Pepper
• Scent leaves
• Fresh pepper
• Onions
• Water
• Salt
• Seasoning
• Spices

Be sure to give this African yam dish a try, you will surely be mind blown. To get the recipe for this African yam dish, you can always find them here at the African food network.

The Fifth African Yam Dish On This List Of 5 African Yam Dishes That Will Blow Your Mind Is: BOILED YAM AND EGG SAUCE 

This is a highly nutritious African yam dish and can be served as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This is one of the easiest meals to cook and you can always check out the recipe here at the African food network.

To enjoy the egg sauce you can have your yam any way you love, it does not have to be boiled.

The yam could be fried, roasted, or boiled. Don’t you like the versatility of this African yam?

Before we look at the ingredients required for the preparation of this African yam dish, let us look at the health benefits of yam and egg sauce.

Health Benefits Of Yam and Egg Sauce

• This African yam dish is a great source of energy.
• The yam content of this African yam dish is mainly composed of complex carbohydrates which are great for the body.
• This African yam dish is a great source of vitamin B-complex
• Yam and egg sauce is a great source of antioxidants
• This African yam dish is a great source of potassium
• There are so many great nutrients and minerals present in this African yam dish, like; copper, iron, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus

Are the health benefits of this African yam dish not exciting? You can check out the recipe for this African yam dish and so many more, here at the African food network.

To prepare this African yam dish, some ingredients would be required, and they are

• Yam
• Water
• Salt
• Fresh pepper
• Tomato
• Groundnut oil
• Eggs
• Onions
• Spring onions
• Carrots
• Seasoning

You have seen five different African yam dishes and their health benefits. You have learned some pretty fun and exciting information about African yams, we’re they not exciting.

Did you learn something new about yam? If yes, what was the new information you learned about African yams?

Yam is a great and nutritious meal that should be eaten frequently because it is so delicious and filling, not just that, it is also highly nutritious which is a great thing to look out for when looking for great African meals to enjoy.

There are so many other African yam dishes you can enjoy, and guess what? The best part is that the African food network has all the recipes for these African yam dishes, all you need to do is check them out here, at the African food network.

Here are a few other yam dishes you really need to give a try, they will blow your mind.

Other African Yam Dishes 

• Crispy yam chips
• Pounded yam
• Roasted yam
• Fried yam and fish stew
• Yam and beans porridge
• Amala
• Yam curry
• Fufu
• Potash
• Yam stew

Don’t they look exciting and delicious? Don’t worry, the African food network has everything you need to feel good with these incredible African yam dishes, and you can check out the recipes for these incredible yam dishes here at the African food network.

You have seen the health benefits, you are now familiar with the different types of yam, you know more about your favorite food, and you have five different and amazing African yam dishes that you can add to your African food menu. What else are you looking for in an African dish?

If you are not motivated and energized to want to give these African yam dishes a try, don’t worry, the recipes for these incredible African yam dishes will give you all the motivation that you need.

Remember, you can always check out the recipe for these amazing yam dishes, here at the African food network.