Hello!
Thinking of one more way to make something interesting out of that yam tuber you’ve got? Or thinking of trashing those leftover cooked yams?(Yam Croquettes).I used to do just that till I found out this amazing yummy yam delicacy. I’m sure you won’t ever let yam go to waste again after you try out this recipe.
Traditionally, croquettes are made from mashed potatoes or rice (a great way to use them up when leftover). This is a very special delicacy found almost everywhere in Europe (especially in France and Belgium), and some parts of Asia. But it’s fast becoming widely accepted in Africa and other parts of the globe.
Well, if croquettes can be made from starchy carbs like potatoes and rice, then why not with yam. Afterall, yams are almost similar and often confused with sweet potatoes.
The technique to this cuisine is pretty easy. Simply mash and roll yams with savoury fillings into balls, oval or cylinder shape. If you ask me, the spicy tasty fillings are the catch to this meal. Another good thing is, they can be made ahead of time and frozen till when ready to fry or bake.
Ingredients(Yam croquettes)
300g or ½ Tuber Yam (salted and cooked)
For filling:
Flaked Fish or Mince meat/chicken or shrimps
1 Egg
1 Tbsp Ground Crayfish (optional)
1 Stalk Spring Onions, chopped
2 medium sized carrot, grated
3 Scotch bonnet (ata rodo) – Optional if to be eaten as snacks
½ Tbsp Chilli Pepper
½ Tsp Paprika
Seasoning cube
Salt to taste
For coating, you’ll need:
1 Egg
1 Cup low fat milk
Bread crumbs
½ Cup plain/wheat flour
Directions:
In a bowl, mash cooked yam till smooth.
In another bowl, combine fish flakes/mince meat, crayfish, pepper, veggies, seasoning cube and spices. Beat one egg and pour about half into mixture to consolidate nicely.
Break remaining egg into a small bowl with the milk and whisk thoroughly. Set aside.
Take a portion of the mashed yams, make an opening and scoop in some of the mixed fillings. Knead gently to cover-up while also forming preferred shape. Do same with remaining mashed yam till you’ve them all in balls.
Place the moulded balls in the flour and coat finely. Remove from flour, shake and dip into the egg-milk mixture. Remove and roll in bread crumbs. Set aside and repeat process till all balls have been coated.
If baking, spray each ball slightly with cooking spray then place on greased oven plates. Heat oven to about 375 degrees and bake till golden brown.
If frying, insert in hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towel. Serve hot.
Yam croquettes are great for side dishes, snacks, or appetizers. If using as a main meal, simply enjoy with tasty pepper sauce (ata dindin) / stir fried veggies or ketchup as dip.