I have always been a lover of home-cooked meals, especially those that remind me of my childhood. One such dish is pounded yam. There’s just something so comforting about this Nigerian delicacy that brings back memories of family gatherings and joyful celebrations. However, pounding yam the traditional way can be quite a laborious task. That’s why I decided to explore an alternative method – making pounded yam in the microwave. In this quick and easy guide, I’ll take you through the steps of how to make pounded yam in the microwave, so you can enjoy this delicious meal without all the hassle.
Gathering the Ingredients
Making pounded yam in the microwave requires a few basic ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store:
– Yam:
Choose a fresh, medium-sized yam. It should be firm and free from any blemishes or soft spots.
– Water:
You’ll need water to cook the yam and achieve the desired consistency.
– Salt:
Adding a pinch of salt to the pounded yam enhances the flavor.
– Microwave-safe bowl:
Make sure you have a microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to accommodate the yam and allow room for expansion as it cooks.
Preparing the Yam
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the yam for cooking. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Peel the Yam
Using a sharp knife, carefully peel off the skin of the yam. Make sure to remove any brown or dark spots.
Step 2: Cut into Chunks
Cut the peeled yam into small chunks. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and faster in the microwave.
Cooking the Yam
Step 3: Add Water
Place the yam chunks in the microwave-safe bowl and add enough water to cover them. Adding about an inch of water above the yam chunks is a good guideline.
Step 4: Microwave on High
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or use microwave-safe cling wrap to create a vent. Microwave the yam on high for about 10 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the power of your microwave and the size of the yam chunks.
Step 5: Check for Done-ness
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and check if the yam is tender. Use a fork or a knife to pierce a chunk and see if it easily goes through. If not, microwave for another 2-3 minutes and check again.
Step 6: Drain and Pound
Once the yam is tender, drain the water from the bowl and use a potato masher or a traditional yam pounder to pound the yam until smooth and fluffy. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use a blender or a food processor instead.
Serving the Pounded Yam
Now that you have successfully made pounded yam in the microwave, it’s time to serve it and enjoy a delicious meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
– Serve with Egusi Soup or any other Nigerian soup of your choice.
– Garnish with fried or grilled fish, chicken, or assorted meat.
– Pair with traditional Nigerian vegetables like Efo Riro or Okro Soup.
Remember, pounded yam is best enjoyed hot, so serve immediately after pounding for the best taste and texture.
In Conclusion
Making pounded yam in the microwave is a convenient and time-saving method that allows you to enjoy this traditional Nigerian dish without all the effort of traditional pounding. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious plate of pounded yam on your table in no time. So, the next time you’re craving some comfort food, give this quick and easy method a try. You won’t be disappointed!