Yam Fry

Are you looking for a unique and delicious snack or side dish to try? Look no further than the crispy and flavorful yam fry! This recipe for yam fry, also known as senai kizhangu in India, is a delightful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delicious and crispy snack that everyone will love. So, let's dive into the recipe and discover the unique and delicious flavors of yam fry!

What Is Yam Fry?

• Yam fry, also known as senai kizhangu fry, is a delicious South Indian dish made with elephant foot yam. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines succulent yam slices with a blend of Indian spices and unique seasonings, resulting in crispy and golden brown fries that are perfect as a snack or as a side dish.
• The combination of red chili powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder adds a burst of flavor to the yam slices, while the marination process ensures that the spices are well coated, creating a mouthwatering taste with every bite.
• The use of olive oil or any other oil for frying enhances the overall texture and adds a subtle richness to the dish. The crispy elephant yam fries are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed hot off the pan.

Why You'll Love Yam Fry?

• Crispy Texture: The yam fry recipe results in perfectly crispy slices of yam that are fried to golden brown perfection. The outer layer is crunchy while the inside remains soft, creating a delightful texture with every bite.
• Healthy Alternative: Elephant foot yam is a nutritious and low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. By frying the yam in minimal oil, you can enjoy a healthier version of a traditionally deep-fried dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: For those following a gluten-free diet, yam fry is an excellent choice as it contains no gluten or grains. It's a delicious and satisfying alternative to conventional fried snacks.
• Rich in Nutrients: Yam is known for its nutritional benefits, including its ability to aid digestion, improve heart health, and boost immunity. By incorporating yam fry into your diet, you can take advantage of these health-boosting properties.
• Satisfying and Flavorful: The combination of spices used in this recipe infuses the yam slices with a burst of flavor, making it a satisfying and enjoyable snack or side dish.
• Versatile Dish: Yam fry can be served as a standalone snack, a side dish with rice or roti, or even as an appetizer at gatherings. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for any occasion.

Ingredients for Crispy Yam Fry

• Elephant Foot Yam: This key ingredient provides a unique texture and flavor to the dish. It is the star of the recipe and is known for its starchy, slightly sweet taste.
• Red Chili Powder: Adds a spicy kick and vibrant color to the yam slices. It enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Cumin Powder: Brings a warm and earthy aroma to the yam fry. It complements the other spices and adds depth to the dish.
• Turmeric Powder: Provides a beautiful golden hue to the yam slices and adds a subtle earthy flavor to the overall taste.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural taste of the yam. It is essential for seasoning the dish to perfection.
• Olive Oil or Any Other Oil: Used for frying the marinated yam slices to a crispy perfection. It adds a rich and savory depth to the dish while ensuring a crunchy texture.

How To Make Yam Fry?

Yam fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be easily prepared at home. Follow these simple steps to create crispy and golden brown yam fries that everyone will love.

• First, peel the skin off the yam and wash it before cutting it into slices. It's important to get the right thickness for the slices - not too thin or too thick. Then, parboil the yam slices in water with added salt and turmeric powder.
• After draining the water completely and allowing the yam to cool, marinate the slices with red chili powder, cumin powder, and a little salt. Let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Heat a nonstick pan with oil over medium heat and fry the marinated yam slices until both sides become golden brown and crispy. It's important to toss or flip the slices during frying and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
• Once the yam slices are crispy and golden brown, they are ready to be served hot and enjoyed!

By following these steps, you can create delicious yam fry that is full of flavor and the perfect crispy texture. Enjoy this dish as a tasty snack or a side dish to complement any meal!

Serving Suggestions:

• For a complete meal, consider serving the crispy elephant yam fry with a side of tangy mint chutney or spicy tomato ketchup.
• The refreshing mint chutney will balance the heat from the yam fry, while the zesty tomato ketchup will add an extra kick of flavor.
• Additionally, you can pair it with a simple cucumber and onion salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and crunchy side dish.
• Enjoy the yam fry with a side of steamed rice or roti for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Tips for Making Crispy Yam Fry

Furthermore, I would like to share some of my suggestions for cooking elephant yam fries.

• Firstly, if you want to cook a fresh yam, then add tamarind water when the water boils then add chopped yam(soak a small gooseberry sized tamarind in water, extract the juice and discard the pulp or 3/4 tsp tamarind pulp). This helps to prevent irritation in your throat while eating.
• I always use yam after 6 or 7 days of leaving it in the open because it enhances the taste and it will not also give irritation. But it is slightly harder to peel the skin because of its dryness.
• Cooking Techniques: Parboiling the yam slices before marinating and frying them is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Make sure to drain the water completely and let the yam cool down for a few minutes before adding the spices and marinating.
• Oil Choice: Using a high-quality cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil, will help achieve the desired crispy texture without compromising on flavor. Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the marinated yam slices to the pan for frying.
• Even Slicing: When cutting the yam into slices, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Slices that are too thin may become too crispy, while slices that are too thick may not cook through properly.
• Monitoring Heat: Keep an eye on the heat level while frying the yam slices. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the slices from burning or becoming soggy.

Now that you have these valuable tips, you're all set to make deliciously crispy yam fry right in your own kitchen!

Variations for Yam Fry

• Spicy Twist: For those who love a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sprinkle with some chili flakes before frying for an extra fiery flavor.
• Herbal Infusion: Experiment with adding dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the yam slices during marination for a fragrant and earthy taste.
• Crunchy Coating: Create a crispy coating by dipping the yam slices in a batter made of chickpea flour (besan) or rice flour before frying to add a delightful crunch.
• Citrus Zing: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the fried yam slices for a burst of citrusy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Sweet and Savory: Balance the savory flavors by sprinkling a pinch of brown sugar or drizzling a touch of honey over the fried yam slices for a delicious sweet and savory combination.
• Seasonal Surprise: Incorporate seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even eggplant along with the yam slices for a medley of flavors and textures in your fry.

How to Store Yam Fry

• Keep in an airtight container: After frying the yam, make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness and prevent it from turning soggy.
• Refrigerate for longer shelf life: If you want to store the yam fry for a longer period, consider refrigerating it. This will help to keep it fresh for a few days.
• Avoid moisture: Moisture can make the yam fry lose its crunchiness. Store it in a dry place to maintain its texture and flavor.
• Use a paper towel: Before storing the yam fry, let it cool down completely. Then, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess oil and moisture.
• Reseal the container: Every time you take out some yam fry, make sure to reseal the container tightly to avoid air exposure, which can make it lose its freshness.
• Consume within a few days: While the yam fry can be stored for a few days, it is best to consume it within a short period to enjoy it at its best quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How thick should the yam slices be?

• The yam slices should be neither too thin nor too thick. Aim for slices that are of medium thickness for the best results.

How long should the yam slices be marinated for?

• It is recommended to marinate the yam slices for about 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the masala to be well coated with the yam slices, enhancing the flavor.

What is the best oil to use for frying?

• Olive oil or any other cooking oil can be used for frying the yam slices. It's essential to use enough oil to ensure even frying and crispy texture.

How can I make the yam fries crispier?

• To make the yam fries crispier, ensure that the pan is not too hot while frying. Additionally, fry the slices until both sides become golden brown, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.

Can I adjust the spice level of the yam fries?

• Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili powder according to your preference. It's important to taste the masala before marinating to ensure the spice level is to your liking.

What is the best way to serve the crispy yam fries?

• The crispy yam fries are best enjoyed hot. Serve them as a delicious appetizer or as a side dish with your favorite main course.

Recipe Card

Yam Fry

Yam Fry 2017-07-28 02:11:10

Serves 3    

Prep Time   00:15        

Cook Time   00:20        

Total Time   00:35                      

Ingredients

• 250 g elephant foot yam/senai kizhangu
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 1/8 tsp turmeric powder
• salt as needed
• 3 tbsp olive oil or any other oil          

Instructions

• Peel the skin, wash and then cut the yam into slices. It should not be too thin or too thick. Meanwhile, heat a wide pan with enough water.
• Then add 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder.
• When the water starts to boil, add chopped yam.
• Parboil the yam slices and then drain the water completely, cool down it for few mins.
• Then add red chili powder, cumin powder and salt (add less salt as we already added salt while cooking), toss well until the masala is well coated with yam slices and set aside for about 15 to 30 mins for marination.
• Meanwhile, heat a heavy bottomed nonstick pan over medium heat, add in oil.
• When oil heats add marinated yam slices and fry until both sides become golden brown. (toss or flip the slices) It takes 8 to 10 mins.
• If you feel the pan is too hot, then reduce the heat to low.
• Fry until crispy and serve hot!
• Now crispy elephant yam fries are ready to eat!         

By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot

https://theindianclaypot.com/