Pounded Yam

Pounded Yam is a staple in many West African homes, but it is not usually eaten by itself, it is often paired with many delicious African soups, and stews like Egusi, okra soup, Jute leaves soup (Ewedu), or Stewed Spinach (Efo Riro).

If you are new to this to this food, I’ll explain. Pounded is quite similar to mashed potatoes but it has as more doughy consistency. It belongs to a group of food we refer to as swallow because of the way we eat it.

We cut out a morsel from the meal,  then we form an indentation on it with the thumb. Then, we scoop some stew or soup over it and we eat it.

Often time it’s swallowed, but sometimes it requires a bit of chewing depending on the type of stew or soup you choose to pair it with. Other food in the swallow group includes fufu – made from cassava flour, Eba, Amala, and more.