Pounded Yam with Ogbono Soup

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water until it reaches 2 inches above the yam chunks. Cover the pot and set it on high heat until you see large bubbles rolling across the surface, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 2

While the water heats, pour 3 tablespoons of palm oil into a medium skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil slides quickly when you tilt the pan and looks glossy, about 90 seconds.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the hot oil and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the pieces turn translucent and smell sweet, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the 0.5 cup of ground ogbono powder, mixing constantly until it coats the onion and the mixture smells earthy and toasted, about 1 minute.

Step 5

Pour 2 cups of water into the skillet, stirring to dissolve any powder clinging to the sides. Bring to a simmer by maintaining medium heat until small bubbles appear steadily around the edge, about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Once the pot of water boils, add the yam chunks and stir once. Boil uncovered over high heat until a fork passes easily through the largest piece, about 12–15 minutes.

Step 7

Add the 8 ounces of chopped mixed protein to the simmering ogbono broth, stirring once. Simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes, until the protein turns opaque and cooked through.

Step 8

Stir the 2 cups of chopped spinach into the ogbono broth in two batches, pushing each batch down with your spoon and waiting 30 seconds between batches until wilted.

Step 9

When the yam is fork-tender, drain it in a colander and return it to the same pot without the cooking water.

Step 10

Using a wooden spoon or potato masher, press and crush the warm yam against the side of the pot until it becomes a smooth, uniform paste with no large chunks, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 11

Spoon a mound of pounded yam onto the center of each serving bowl, using the back of the spoon to shape it into a dome.

Step 12

Ladle the ogbono soup with protein and greens around the yam, distributing the ingredients evenly so each spoonful has broth, vegetables, and protein.