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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Arcell Jonhson
[email protected]These yam fries are the perfect party food. They're easy to make, they're delicious, and they're always a hit with guests.
Bd Triple A
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of yams, but these fries are amazing. They're crispy and flavorful and I can't get enough of them.
Hasnain Abbain
[email protected]These yam fries are a great way to use up leftover yams. I usually have a few yams left over after making mashed yams or roasted yams and this is a great way to use them up.
Cody Tyer
[email protected]I love that this recipe uses simple ingredients. I always have yams, olive oil, and salt and pepper on hand so I can make these yam fries anytime.
Agunbiade Segun temitope
[email protected]These yam fries are the perfect side dish for any meal. They're crispy, flavorful, and they're sure to please everyone at the table.
David Hillaire
[email protected]I'm always looking for new ways to cook yams and this recipe is a great one. The yam fries are crispy and flavorful and they're a healthier alternative to regular fries.
Mansingh Nepali
[email protected]These yam fries are a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables. They're so delicious that they'll forget they're even eating yams.
Semakaleng Pule
[email protected]I've made these yam fries several times now and they're always a hit. They're so crispy and flavorful. I love dipping them in ketchup or ranch dressing.
Oliver Taylor
[email protected]These yam fries were so easy to make and they turned out perfectly. I love that they are a healthier alternative to regular fries.
Sr Sajjad
[email protected]I'm not sure what I did wrong, but my yam fries didn't turn out crispy. They were more like soft yam sticks. I'm going to try again with a different recipe.
Jamie Waite
[email protected]I made these yam fries for a party and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them. I will definitely be making them again.
Bilawal Khattak
[email protected]These yam fries were a bit too crispy for my liking, but they were still good. I think I would reduce the cooking time next time.
Aisha Namutebi
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and the yam fries turned out great. They were crispy and flavorful. I will definitely be making these again.
Gabe Hernandez
[email protected]These yam fries were a great way to use up some leftover yams. They were easy to make and turned out perfectly crispy. I would definitely recommend this recipe.
Robin Hensley
[email protected]I've never been a big fan of yams, but these fries changed my mind. They were so delicious and addictive. I'll be making them again soon.
tahseen rashid
[email protected]This recipe is a keeper! The yam fries were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I served them with a side of dipping sauce and they were perfect.
Robert bob
[email protected]Crispy yam fries were a hit! The kids loved them and they were so easy to make. I will definitely be making these again.