DUNDUN ONIYERI / YAMARITA

Looking for an incredible way to make a twist of the popular dundun (fried yam). Then dundun oniyeri / yamarita is the dish meant for you. It is an egg-flour coated fried yam. (What a mouthful right??? 😂😂😂😂)
Yamarita has gained popularity over the years approximately since the last decade. This cuisine is quite popular in southwestern, eastern and northern part of Nigeria and other parts of Africa.


It's a dish made from pre-cooked / parboiled yam which is rolled in spiced raw eggs, and dredged in flour and bread crumbs which is optional. Most times the flour and egg is spiced with pepper, salt or seasoning to add to the flavour and later served with a sauce or stew. Many will wonder why do I have to go through so much stress just to eat fried yam but I assure you every process worths it. What do you plan on achieving doing it this way? This method is used to get the yam soft on the inside and crusty on the outside its just amazing.

Yamarita a great replica of the popular fried yam sold by the road side or by a street vendor. This incredible cuisine has also started appearing as finger foods served in major events and parties. Now, did you know? there's a plantain version of this recipe known as 'Dodo Oniyeri' egg coated fried plantain it is often enjoyed and made for specific occasions like lovers day. Yamarita can serve as an appetizer or main dish and can be enjoyed at anytime of the day.

Now, let's cook!

INGREDIENTS: 2 servings

Yam (6 big slices) {makes 12 perfect rectangle shapes}
Eggs
Flour
Water
Bread crumbs (very optional)
Spices: salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, seasoning, etc. (1/3tsp each)
Oil for frying

PROCEDURE / STEPS

Step 1: Cut yam slices horizontally for form a rectangle shape, place in a pot, add salt and bring to boil.

TD's Tip: The beauty of this dish is based on how you cut the yam slices. It tells a lot on the presentation. To get the rectangular shape, target the centre of each slice and cut off excess edges. If you have a big slice of yam then it's an added advantage. 

Step 2: When done drain out the water and set aside.

TD's Tip: It is very important you keep an eye on the yam when boiling because you don't want it super soft but just perfectly cooked. 

Step 3: Crack open egg in a bowl, in another plate add generous amount of flour and spice it all using salt, seasoning and peppers.

Step 4: Combine the spices with the egg and flour stir till it's well incorporated.

Step 5: Add oil to a frying pan / pot basically, prepare the fryer.

Step 6: Pick the parboiled yam roll it in spiced egg, spiced flour do this twice or thrice and proceed to frying in already prepared oil.


TD's Tip: Fry on both sides and very important in batches. It should be golden brown and not burnt. The oil can be flavoured before frying by adding some unpeeled garlic cloves or cloves. This helps to intensify the taste.

Serve Yamarita with pepper sauce or stew.
Bon appetite!