Oto (Mashed Yam Patties)
ACTIVE 50 MIN; TOTAL 2 HR 15 MIN
SERVES 8
Puna yam (not to be confused with sweet
potato) is the star of this Ghanaian dish
often served on wedding days. Puna yams
are starchy; it’s essential to avoid over-
cooking them in order to make shaping
the patties easier. Their unique texture
and flavor make them worth seeking out
for this recipe; see sourcing info below.
6 cups peeled and chopped (^1 / 2 -inch
pieces) puna (Ghana) yam (from 1
[2-lb.] yam)
1 Tbsp. light brown sugar
1 / 4 cup red palm oil
31 / 2 Tbsp. canola oil, plus more for
frying
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. corn flour
1 tsp. kosher salt
5 soft-cooked eggs, peeled and
quartered lengthwise
Thinly sliced seeded fresh Anaheim
chiles
Torn fresh cilantro leaves
Thinly sliced red onion
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
over high. Add chopped yam and brown
sugar; cook, stirring occasionally, until ten-
der, 20 to 25 minutes, being careful not to
overcook. Drain and return yam to pot.
Using a potato masher, mash yam while
still steaming. Add red palm oil, canola oil,
thyme, garlic, corn flour, and salt. Mash
until mixture is fully combined, smooth,
and evenly colored, about 5 minutes. Let
mixture stand at room temperature until
cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. - Divide yam mixture evenly into 10
pieces (about 3^1 / 2 ounces each). Shape
each piece into a^3 / 4 -inch-thick, 3-inch-
wide patty. - Heat a large pan over medium, and add
canola oil to a depth of^1 / 8 to^1 / 4 inch. Add 5
patties to hot oil; fry until golden and
crisp, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer
cooked patties to a rimmed baking sheet
or a platter, and cover loosely with alumi-
num foil to keep warm while cooking
remaining patties. Repeat process with
additional oil and remaining patties. Top
patties with soft-cooked eggs; sprinkle
with chiles, cilantro, and onion. —ZOE
ADJONYOH, LONDON
WINE Off-dry Washington Riesling: 2018
Poet’s Leap
NOTE Find puna yams and red palm oil at
specialty food markets, or order from
olasfoodsmarket.com.