Best Yam Balls Recipe: How to Make Crispy, Delicious Yam Balls at Home

Introducing Yam Balls

Yam balls are a delicious, savoury snack or side dish popular in West African cuisine, especially in Nigeria and Ghana. This yam balls recipe features bite-sized treats made from boiled yam that is mashed, seasoned, and sometimes filled or coated before being fried to golden perfection. Yam balls are perfect for entertaining, as appetisers, or as a side dish to accompany a main meal.

Here is a well-detailed yam balls recipe guide on how to make yam balls.

Equipment Needed

1. Large Pot – for boiling the yams
2. Colander or Sieve – for draining the cooked yams
3. Potato Masher or Fork – to mash the yams smoothly
4. Mixing Bowl – for combining all the ingredients
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons – to measure ingredients accurately
6. Knife and Cutting Board – for chopping any add-ins like onions or peppers
7. Frying Pan or Deep Fryer – for frying the yam balls
8. Slotted Spoon – to remove the yam balls from hot oil
9. Paper Towels – for draining excess oil from fried yam balls
10. Plate or Tray – for serving the finished yam balls

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized tuber of yam (about 1 kg)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/2 cup cooked minced meat or corned beef (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped spring onions (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated carrots (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup flour (for dusting)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk (or regular milk)
• 1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
• 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Yam

• Peel the yam and cut it into chunks.
• Rinse thoroughly and place in a pot. Add enough water to cover the yam and a pinch of salt.
• Boil until the yam is soft and can be easily pierced with a fork (about 20-25 minutes).
• Drain the yam and transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2. Mash the Yam

• While the yam is still hot, mash it using a potato masher or a fork until smooth and lump-free.
• Add the evaporated milk (or regular milk) and continue mashing to create a creamy texture.

Step 3. Mix in Ingredients

• In a pan, sauté chopped onions (and spring onions if using) in a little oil until translucent.
• Add the minced meat/corned beef and carrots, cook for 2-3 minutes. Season with curry powder, thyme, pepper, and salt.
• Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then mix it into the mashed yam. Stir to combine.
• Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.

Step 4. Shape the Yam Balls

• Beat one egg in a bowl.
• Take a small handful of the yam mixture and roll it into a ball (about the size of a golf ball).
• Repeat until all the mixture is used up.

Step 5. Coat the Yam Balls

• Roll each yam ball in flour to lightly dust.
• Dip each ball into the beaten egg.
• Roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

Step 6. Fry the Yam Balls

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer (enough to submerge the balls).
• When the oil is hot (about 180°C/350°F), gently lower the yam balls. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Fry until golden brown and crisp (about 3-5 minutes per batch).
• Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a spicy tomato sauce, ketchup, or pepper dip.
• Yam balls can also be enjoyed as part of a breakfast platter or a party snack spread.

Tips and Variations

• For a vegetarian version of the Yam Balls Recipe, omit the meat and add more vegetables such as peas or sweet corn.
• Add grated cheese to the yam mixture for a richer flavour.
• Instead of frying, yam balls can be baked in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, brushing lightly with oil.
• Yam balls can be made ahead and frozen before frying. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Yam Balls Recipe is versatile, easy to make, and sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Nutritional Benefits

Yam balls are a nutritious snack↗ rich in complex carbohydrates and fibre, providing sustained energy and supporting digestion. They are packed with essential vitamins like vitamin C and B6, as well as minerals such as potassium. Low in fat when lightly fried and naturally gluten-free, yam balls also contain antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for most diets.

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