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Yam Curry

Yam Curry recipe image
This comforting Yam Curry brings the warmth of traditional Indian cooking to your table. Tender cubes of yam are briefly deep-fried to create a golden crust, then simmered in a robust sauce made from onions, ginger, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. The dish is elevated with a blend of aromatic spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, while yogurt adds a creamy depth and subtle tang. It's a flavorful, satisfying main that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or warm chapatis. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you crave something hearty yet plant-based, this recipe balances earthy vegetables with complex, savory notes. Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both homestyle and sophisticated, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 440
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Yam Curry brings the warmth of traditional Indian cooking to your table. Tender cubes of yam are briefly deep-fried to create a golden crust, then simmered in a robust sauce made from onions, ginger, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. The dish is elevated with a blend of aromatic spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, while yogurt adds a creamy depth and subtle tang. It's a flavorful, satisfying main that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or warm chapatis. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you crave something hearty yet plant-based, this recipe balances earthy vegetables with complex, savory notes. Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both homestyle and sophisticated, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
  • 1 pound Tender yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tsp Salt, plus more for sprinkling yams
  • 3 cups Vegetable oil, for deep frying
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil, for sautéing
  • 1 piece Fresh ginger root, finely chopped
  • 1 clove Garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 2 pods Green cardamoms, crushed
  • 1 leaf Bay leaf
  • 4 whole Peppercorns
  • 1 inch Cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 0.5 tsp Chili powder (or cayenne pepper)
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 0.5 tsp Garam masala (optional)
  • 4 oz Fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped (or 8 oz canned tomatoes)
  • 4 tbsp Yogurt
  • 1.5 cups Water
  • 1 tbsp Chopped coriander leaves (cilantro), for garnish
Directions
  1. 1
    Place the cubed yams in a colander and sprinkle liberally with salt. Let stand for 10-15 minutes, then dry thoroughly on paper towels.
  2. 2
    Heat the 3 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  3. 3
    Fry the yam cubes in batches until golden brown. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper and set aside.
  4. 4
    In a separate pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over moderate heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook until they begin to splutter.
  5. 5
    Add the chopped ginger and garlic, and cook until fragrant and lightly golden.
  6. 6
    Stir in the cardamoms, bay leaf, peppercorns, cinnamon stick, turmeric, chili powder, and ground coriander. Cook for a few seconds until aromatic.
  7. 7
    Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down and soften.
  8. 8
    Stir in the yogurt and continue to cook until the oil begins to separate from the sauce.
  9. 9
    Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
  10. 10
    Gently add the fried yam cubes to the sauce. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 25 minutes until the yams are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
  11. 11
    Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 440kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35g54%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 21mg8%
Sodium 244mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 8g
Protein 7g15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve with chapatis, naan, or steamed rice for a complete meal.

The yams in this dish are cooked in a sauce very much like that traditionally used for meat, making it hearty and satisfying.

If you do not have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes work well as a substitute.

For a vegan version, omit the yogurt or use a plant-based alternative.

Recipe derived from The Hamlyn Curry Cookbook by Meera Taneja.

Keywords: yam, curry, indian, vegetarian, spicy, turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, tomato, yogurt, simmered, fried, main dish, comfort food, aromatic, plant-based
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/yam-curry/