· 2 min read
Pounded yam is boiled yam beaten into a smooth, stretchy dough. How it’s made, what it tastes like and what to eat it with.
Pounded yam is the swallow most people try first. It’s white, smooth and mild, and goes with every soup on our menu.
What it is
Pounded yam is made from African yam, a large, starchy tuber with rough brown skin and white flesh. It isn’t the orange sweet potato that is sometimes sold as “yam” in the UK.
The yam is peeled, cut up and boiled until soft. Then it’s pounded until it turns into a smooth, stretchy dough with no lumps.
How it used to be made
Traditionally, pounded yam was made in a large wooden mortar with a long wooden pestle, often by two people taking turns. It’s hard work. Many kitchens now use machines or pounded yam flour, which is mixed with hot water.
What it tastes like
Pounded yam has a gentle, slightly sweet taste, a bit like mashed potato but smoother and stretchier. Because it’s mild, the taste of the soup comes through.
What to eat it with
Pounded yam goes with any of our soups and stews. Popular pairings include:
On our menu, our main dishes come with pounded yam, amala or eba, and your choice of beef, assorted or fish. You can also order pounded yam as an extra.
How to eat it
Read our guide on how to eat swallow.
Hungry?
See what’s on our menu, book a table at 13 Pier Road, or order for collection or delivery.