Yam Balls West Africa

Delight your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of West African Yam Balls, a crispy and golden snack that's as comforting as it is bold. Made from tender boiled yams mashed with butter, milk, and a medley of vibrant seasonings like finely chopped onions, fresh parsley or coriander, and the fiery kick of scotch bonnet pepper, these savory treats are a celebration of West Africa's culinary essence. Rolled into bite-sized balls, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb shell, and fried to perfection, they boast a satisfying crunch on the outside and creamy richness inside. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish, yam balls shine when paired with a dipping sauce, from spicy tomato relish to zesty mayonnaise. Easy to prepare and loaded with earthy and aromatic flavors, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving authentic West African cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 kg yam (peeled and cubed)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 small scotch bonnet pepper (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons parsley or coriander (chopped)
• 2 large eggs
• 100 grams all-purpose flour
• 150 grams breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 500 ml vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Peel and cube the yam, then rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.

Step 2

Place the yam cubes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the yam is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 3

Drain the cooked yam and mash it in a large mixing bowl while it is still warm.

Step 4

Add the butter, milk, finely chopped onion, scotch bonnet pepper, parsley or coriander, salt, and ground black pepper to the mashed yam. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5

Take small portions of the mashed yam mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and roll them into balls. Set the yam balls aside on a tray.

Step 6

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Step 7

Roll each yam ball in the flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. Repeat for all the yam balls.

Step 8

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot (around 170°C or 340°F) but not smoking.

Step 9

Fry the yam balls in batches, turning occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Step 10

Remove the fried yam balls with a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 11

Serve the yam balls warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Enjoy with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as spicy tomato sauce or mayonnaise.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2037.5 grams (2037.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6818

Total Fat 542.90g	696%
Saturated Fat 89.50g	447%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 441mg	147%
Sodium 5145mg	224%
Total Carbohydrate 480.50g	175%
Dietary Fiber 47.30g	169%
Total Sugars 24.00g
Protein 61.80g	124%

Vitamin D 100IU	497%
Calcium 349mg	27%
Iron 20mg	111%
Potassium 6530mg	139%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.3%

Protein: 3.5%

Carbs: 27.2%