Ragoût d'Igname (Burkinabe Yam in Tomato Sauce)
Local name: Ragoût d'igname
In short: Yam slices simmered in a spiced tomato and onion sauce until tender and lightly thickened, a simple everyday dish from Burkina Faso. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 290 kcal
Ragoût d'igname is one of the simplest and most comforting dishes of Burkina Faso: slices of yam simmered in a tomato and onion sauce with a little chili until soft and lightly thickened by their own starch. It is eaten as a main dish, often with grilled chicken or a pan-fried meat patty on the side. Use true yam if you can find it, or substitute starchy potatoes.
Instructions
- Rinse the yam slices in cold water to wash away the slime, then drain them. Wear gloves when peeling if raw yam irritates your skin.
- Heat the oil in a wide heavy pot over medium heat. Cook the onions for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Add the water, chili and salt and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Add the yam slices and stir gently. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until a knife slides through the yam and the sauce is thick. Add a splash of water if the sauce reduces too fast.
- If using smoked fish, add it for the last 10 minutes. Taste, adjust the salt and chili, and serve hot.
Tips
- White yam, sold at African and Caribbean grocers, holds its shape better than sweet potato. Yukon Gold potatoes can stand in, with a simmering time of 15 to 20 minutes.
- Do not use the orange sweet potatoes that some shops label as yams, since they turn mushy in this sauce.
Questions and answers
What kind of yam should I use?
Use white yam (Dioscorea), sold at African, Caribbean and Asian grocers. The orange tubers sold as yams in some supermarkets are sweet potatoes and will not work as well.
Can I make ragoût d'igname without chili?
Yes. The chili is optional, and many families make it mild for children and serve hot pepper sauce at the table.
What can I serve with it?
Grilled or fried chicken, grilled fish or a pan-fried meat patty are all common partners, with a simple tomato and onion salad.
How long does it take to make Ragoût d'Igname (Burkinabe Yam in Tomato Sauce)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ragoût d'Igname (Burkinabe Yam in Tomato Sauce)?
About 290 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 53 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 290 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
