Pounded Yam (Nigerian Yam Swallow)
Local name: Iyán
In short: Boiled white yam beaten until smooth and stretchy, the soft swallow that Nigerians pair with egusi, efo riro and other rich soups. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 295 kcal
Pounded yam, called iyan in Yoruba, is the smooth, stretchy swallow served with the richest soups at Nigerian weddings and Sunday lunches. Traditionally the boiled yam is beaten in a wooden mortar with a heavy pestle until it forms a glossy dough. A stand mixer does the same job at home. It has a mild taste, which is why it suits strongly flavored soups so well.
Instructions
- Rinse the yam chunks and put them in a large pot with enough cold water to cover by 2.5 cm (1 inch). Add the salt if using.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until a knife slides in with no resistance and the edges of the yam begin to crumble.
- Drain the yam, keeping 125 ml (1/2 cup) of the cooking water. Let the steam escape for 2 minutes.
- Tip the hot yam into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle. Mix on low for 1 minute to break it up, then on medium for 4 to 5 minutes, adding the reserved water a spoonful at a time, until smooth, stretchy and free of lumps.
- No mixer? Pound the hot yam in a large mortar with a heavy pestle for about 10 minutes, folding the mass over with a wet hand between strikes.
- Scoop portions with a wet spoon and shape them into smooth mounds. Serve at once with a hot soup.
Tips
- Use true white African yam, sold in African and Caribbean markets. Sweet potatoes and the orange American 'yam' are different vegetables and will not give the stretch.
- Short on time? Instant yam flour (poundo) stirred into boiling water makes a similar swallow in 10 minutes, though the flavor is milder.
Questions and answers
What soups go with pounded yam?
Egusi, efo riro, ogbono and okra are the usual partners, along with bitter leaf and vegetable soups. Choose a soup with plenty of sauce because the yam itself is mild.
Why is my pounded yam lumpy?
The yam was either not cooked soft enough or had cooled before beating. Boil until a knife meets no resistance and beat while piping hot, loosening with hot cooking water.
How do you eat pounded yam?
Pinch off a piece with your right hand, roll it into a ball and make a dent with your thumb. Use it to scoop up soup and swallow it without chewing for long.
How long does it take to make Pounded Yam (Nigerian Yam Swallow)?
About 40 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pounded Yam (Nigerian Yam Swallow)?
About 295 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 70 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 295 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
