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Pounded yam or ‘’’Utara-ji or Nni-ji’’’(Igbo)Iyán ( Yoruba) or Ruam-Yo ( Tiv) is a Nigerian swallow food native to the Yoruba, Igbo Edo, Tiv and Ebira ethnic groups. ^{[1] [2]} It is a traditional food prepared by pounding boiled yam with a mortar and pestle. ^{[3] [4]} Pounded yam is similar to mashed potatoes but heavier in consistency. It is a smooth and tasty delicacy traditionally eaten with the hands. ^{[5] [6] [7]}

Iyán is consumed in Ondo State, Ijesha, Kogi State, Okun, Edo, Benue and Ekiti in Nigeria, among others. It can be served with egusi soup, jute leaves soup ( ewedu), stewed spinach ( efo riro) or okra soup. ^{[8] [9] [10]}

Types of yam

The type of yam used for pounding yam is the African yam which is common in Africa and some parts of Asia. ^[11] It is also known as puna yam, true yam or white yam. ^{[12] [13]} The texture is rough with brown skin and off-white flesh; its length ranges from that of regular potatoes up to five feet long.

Puna yam is a makeup/ cash crop available all year round unlike other crops that are seasonal. Other varieties of yam include purple yam, wild yam, white guinea yam, Chinese and water yam. ^{[14] [15]}

African yam is rich in carbohydrates and calories. Although it lacks protein, it can be balanced with egg and sauce. ^{[16] [17] [18]}

Varieties of soup for pounded yam

Pounded yam goes with okro soup, ẹ̀fọ́ rírò, banga soup (ofe akwu), ogbono and gbẹ̀gìrì soup. ^{[19] [20]} The food is popularly eaten with egusi soup, a tasty stew made from ground melon seeds, tomatoes, onion and red palm oil. ^{[21] [22] [23]}

Pounded Yam Variations

A popular variation of the pounded Yam in Ife is known as Iyan Gbere. This version of the dish incorporates the use of the African breadfruit ( Treculia africana), a tropical fruit native to Africa. ^[24]

To prepare Iyan Gbere, the African breadfruit is first cooked until it is soft. It is then pounded or blended to create a smooth, dough-like consistency. This breadfruit paste is combined with the traditional yam paste used in Iyan to create a unique, flavorful dish. ^{[25] [26]}

Iyan Gbere is often served with traditional Nigerian soups, such as Egusi or Okra soup. The addition of the African breadfruit gives the dish a distinct taste and nutritional profile, making it a favorite among the locals in Ife. ^[27]

See also

• Eba
• Fufu
• Amala
• List of African dishes
• Nigerian cuisine
•   Food portal

References

External links

• pounded yam from Allnigeria foods