CRISPY YAM FRIES
Not to be confused with American sweet potatoes, West African yams are large, starchy root vegetables found at most West African, Caribbean or Latin American markets. Check the yams for freshness by pressing down on their skin before purchasing; the root should be firm with no soft spots. The brown skin peels off easily with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to reveal a stark white flesh. These yams are larger, much starchier, denser and less fibrous than American yams or sweet potatoes. Crispy yam fries are a well-known Nigerian snack and side dish. They can be shallow-fried in oil or baked in the oven for a slightly healthier variation (see Tip). Serve fries warm with some obe ata or your favorite condiment on the side.
Provided by Yewande Komolafe
Categories dinner, snack, vegetables, side dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high and season generously with salt.
- Fill a large bowl with water. Working quickly to avoid oxidation, slice off the ends of the yam and peel the brown skin. Cut the yam into 3/4-inch-thick rounds and transfer to the bowl. Once sliced and peeled, cut each piece into 1/2-inch-wide matchsticks, slicing a few rounds at a time and transferring matchsticks back to the water. (You should get about 5 to 8 sticks per piece.)
- Working in batches, drop the matchsticks into the simmering water and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the hot water and transfer to a rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Repeat the blanching and draining process for the remaining matchsticks.
- Fill a large skillet with 1 inch of canola oil. (You'll need about 4 cups for a 10-inch skillet.) Heat the oil over medium-high until it registers 350 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Working in two or three batches to avoid crowding, and replenishing the oil as needed, fry the yam matchsticks, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on a baking sheet set with paper towels or a rack. Season the fries with salt.
- Serve fries warm, with some obe ata or your preferred condiment for dipping.
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Abdulla Rameez
[email protected]These yam fries were the worst thing I've ever eaten.
Christine Ellis
[email protected]I didn't like these yam fries at all. They were soggy and flavorless.
Ajay kumar122
[email protected]These yam fries were a bit too greasy for my taste.
Nyombi Emma
[email protected]I found these yam fries to be a bit bland. I had to add some salt and pepper to them.
Puja chapagain
[email protected]I thought these yam fries were just okay. They weren't as crispy as I would have liked.
Asad Saad
[email protected]These yam fries were easy to make and turned out great. I will definitely be making them again.
Ibraheem Hammoud
[email protected]I was a bit skeptical about these yam fries, but I was pleasantly surprised. They were really good!
Amman Amman
[email protected]My kids love these yam fries! They're a great way to get them to eat their vegetables.
Ori Segal
[email protected]I love that these yam fries are baked instead of fried. They're so much healthier and just as delicious.
Cameron Lothian
[email protected]I've made these yam fries several times now and they always turn out perfect. They're crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Iqra Abbasi
[email protected]These yam fries were a hit at my last party! Everyone loved them.