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Yam Curry

Make authentic Yam Curry with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on May 3, 2017
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Yam Curry
⏱️
Prep Time20 mins
🍳
Cook Time25 mins
⌛
Total Time45 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 4-6
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This Indian Recipe Serves 2-3

Yam Curry is a vegetarian dish that has the look of potato curry but the taste is much different. It is a soft curry & can also be cooked with peas. Yams are known to many South Africans as Madumbis.

Yam is the usual name for some plant species in the variety Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae) that frame palatable tubers. Yams are enduring herbaceous vines developed for the utilization of their starchy tubers in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, & Oceania. The tubers themselves are additionally called “yams“. There are a wide range of cultivars of yams. Albeit a few assortments of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) are additionally called “yam” in parts of the United States & Canada, the sweet potato is not some portion of Dioscoreaceae, but rather has a place in the disconnected morning radiance family, Convolvulaceae.

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 4-6
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Step-by-Step Instructions

21 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Bring out the yams (madumbis).

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Peel the yams (madumbis), rinse them & then cut into slices or chunks & place into a bowl.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Cover with cold water & set aside until ready to use.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Peel & chop the onion & set aside.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Dice tomatoes & set aside.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Add vegetable oil to a pot. When the oil has heated, add in the onions & the curry leaves.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Give it a mix & allow to sauté until translucent.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Once the onions are translucent, add in the turmeric powder, garam masala, jeera (cumin) powder, dhania (coriander) powder, red chili flakes, chili powder & the ginger & garlic paste.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Mix well & simmer for 30 seconds.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Thereafter, add in the diced tomatoes.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Mix well, cover with a lid & allow the tomatoes to cook for about 5 minutes until they are soft.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    When the tomatoes have cooked throughout, discard the water that the yams (madumbis) had been resting in & add the yams to the pot.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Add salt to taste & a little water.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Mix well.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Cover & allow to cook until the yams (madumibis) are soft (±15 minutes) – making sure to check on it every now again so it does not burn.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    When the yams (madumbis) are almost cooked, give it a stir.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Add in fresh or frozen peas (optional).

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Mix well & allow to cook for ±5 minutes or until the peas are cooked. Add very little water if required.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Once the peas are cooked, turn off the heat & garnish with fresh dhania (coriander).

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Plate & serve.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    This Yam Curry can be served with rice, bread, roti or puri & is enjoyed with salads or pickles on the side.

    Step 21 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Yam Curry.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Yam Curry

How do I make the curry gravy thick and rich in Yam Curry?

A combination of finely chopped braised onions, pureed or grated tomatoes, and allowing the gravy to simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes helps reduce and thicken the sauce to a rich coating consistency.

Can I freeze leftover Yam Curry?

Yes, this curry freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Note: If freezing, omit or remove the potatoes as their texture changes when frozen. You can easily add fresh boiled potatoes when reheating!

How long does Yam Curry stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. In fact, Durban curries often taste even richer the next day as the spices continue to infuse overnight.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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