Recipe: African Yam Stew

I wanted to share this as my first recipe because it has been a staple in my cook book since the first time I found it.

I'm uncertain why the name includes "African." I won't lie, this is not a recipe I stumbled upon while roaming the flats of Zimbabwe, not even close.

But, sometimes, a good dish is remembered by its name. Marketing works well for dishes, just like everything else. It's why they haven't changed the Whopper or Big Mac names even if the recipe does change, ever so slightly.

So I kept the name for the added ambiance.

Not only have I made it countless times for myself, but it is one of my favorites to cook when I'm having guests.



An amazing blend of subtle and spicy kick, aromatic turmeric and cumin, plus the sweetness of the yams simmers this recipe into a perfect hearty dish as an entree, or it can be easily pureed into an appetizing soup.

Here is a link to the original recipe: African Yam Soup

However I have made it so many times with many different ingredients and my personal recipe is the original with a few changes:

• Instead of 1 cup of tomato juice I prefer a 24oz of arrabiata sauce, homemade if you have the time or store bought if you don't. 
• greek yogurt. Artemis Greek Gods Yogurt because it has no added sugar and has all the natural fats still included. This is added to the dish before pureeing or as a topping right before eating. It thickens the sauce and adds just enough creaminess to sooth the spice if you used my next ingredient change.
• Habaneros chilli. These guys are spicy and I have often used more than one to make the African yam stew the Spicy African Yam Stew. It's got a heat that will make you sweat and tear up just enough to enjoy the pain. (spicy is not an actual flavor on your taste bud pallet its just your taste buds registering pain)

To puree this dish simply transfer the contents of the pot to a safe blender or immersion blender.

Let me stress
SAFE BLENDER!

Don't be like yours truly and use a blender that doesn't have the lid fit properly. Ending in what used to be healthy delicious yam stew, turns into burning angry Habanero infused stew all over my body and the kitchen floor. Now I know what it must feel like to burn in a Kirby curry....


I'd rather it be in my stomach if you would be so kind Mr. blender, thanks.

Easy presentation is to add a green kick on the top of the yogurt before it gets mixed. Dice some chives and position just on top of the yogurt in a white or charcoal bowl for the colors to really combine. However if you're a vegan or just don't like cream serve it just as easily without!

Time to Dig In.