Food & Wine USA - (01)January 2021

(Comicgek) #1

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



  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.


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