4 Tips for Cooking With Yam Flour

Yam flour is a type of flour that is really beginning to rise in popularity. Not only is yam flour packed with nutritional benefits such as vitamin C, high in fiber and potassium, but yam flour is also completely gluten-free. 

Yam flour’s consistency ensures that light, fluffy consistency in your baking or meals as well aiding with issues such as inflammation and alleviating symptoms of menopause.

With the numerous health benefits of yam flour, it’s no wonder that many people are turning their back on traditional flours and embracing those that can offer more in the way of nutrition. 

So if you are interested in creating some delicious Nigerian recipes and want some top tips on how to cook with yam flour, this article has all the information you will need. 

1. Use it to Create Healthy Dog and Pet Treats

Now more than ever, pet and dog owners are conscious of what types of ingredients are in their snacks and treats. Often treats can contain high levels of propylene glycol, corn syrup, or MSG. These can have adverse effects on your animal, leading to weight gain and potential joint issues.

This is where pounded yam flour can act as a nutritional and healthy base for most snacks or treats and provide plenty of nutrients that a pet needs. It’s especially handy if your animal has a gluten allergy. 

For the recipe, you will need 2 1/2 cups of yam flour, 1 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 cup of water, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of honey.

The step by step method is as follows:

1. Combine all your ingredients in a bowl until it makes a stiff dough.
2. Knead the dough for a couple of minutes until you have a consistent mixture.
3. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface. The dough should be 1/2 inch thick.
4. Use cookie cutters to cut out your chosen shapes.
5. Bake in an oven at 350F for 20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and place on a wire tray to cool. Serve to your favorite furry companion or pooch when cold!

2. Gluten-Free Bread 

A person who suffers from a gluten intolerance can find it tricky to shop for appropriate carbohydrates to have with their meals. Gluten-free bread in supermarkets and specialist shops can also be extremely expensive as well as not particularly tasty.

With yam flour, its natural properties add fluffiness and lightness to whatever you combine it with. This means that by including it in a gluten-free bread recipe, it will replicate that airy and light texture that other gluten-free bread don’t have. 

For the recipe, you will need 2 cups of milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar, 4 cups of yam flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of caster sugar, 1 sachet of yeast, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

To create a moreish gluten-free bread, follow this recipe:

1. Warm the milk in a pan on the hob and leave to cool. Turn the oven to 400F.
2. Add the eggs and vinegar into a bowl and mix. Gently whisk in the warm milk. 
3. Combine the yam flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in another bowl. 
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until a wet dough is formed and add the olive oil. 
5. Leave it to rise in a warm place for an hour with a damp cloth covering it. It should double in size.
6. Place the dough in the hot oven for 35 mins until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Yam Pancakes 

If you want a fluffy savory pancake, why not exchange traditional flour for yam flour? They are also versatile and can be combined with any savory filling you desire. 

Our recipe includes shrimp but you can easily substitute this for vegetables or cheese if you are vegetarian. 

The recipe is 2 cups of yam flour, 1/4 melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 cup of cooked shrimp, 1/4 cup of cooked peppers, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 

To make some delicious yam pancakes, follow this easy method:

1. Combine the flour, milk, egg, salt, pepper cayenne, nutmeg, milk, and melted butter into a bowl. You should end up with a batter consistency. 
2. Add in the cooked peppers and shrimp and mix well. 
3. Heat up a tablespoon of oil in a pan on the hob at a medium-high heat. Add a ladle of your mixture to the pan and cook for two minutes on each side. 
4. When the pancakes are cooked through and golden brown, transfer to a plate to cool. Eat as a snack or with Jollof rice as a full meal.

4. Yam Tempura Vegetables 

Get creative in the kitchen with some lightly fried yam tempura vegetables, which looks super impressive at a dinner party but is actually very simple to do. 

For the recipe, you will need 2 cups of yam flour, 1 cup of sparkling water, a pinch of salt and pepper, and your chosen vegetables. We recommend tender stem broccoli and aubergine.

The method is as follows:

1. Combine the yam flour and sparkling water, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make a light batter.
2. Wash and chop your vegetables and dip them into the batter, shaking off any residue. 
3. Heat up a shallow pan of oil about 4mm deep until hot enough to fry.
4. Fry your vegetables in batches for a couple of minutes until the batter is a golden brown color.
5. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to soak up the additional oil.
6. Serve with dipping sauces such as hot pepper, ranch, or soy for maximum flavor. 

Cooking and Baking With Yam Flour: Where Can I Find Out More?

We hope this article has given you plenty of inspiration for further exploration into Nigerian cooking, but also how easy it is to incorporate yam flour into your weekly rotation of recipes.

There’s something for everyone when it comes to cooking with pounded yam flour. It’s versatile in all manner of sweet and savory dishes. If you would like further information on how to integrate yam flour into your diet, contact us directly.

We would be happy to answer any of your questions about any of our products and full supply range.