Madumbi/Yams

Yams, taro root, dasheen, madumbis or the real South African name – “amadumbe” – is a root vegetable that tastes amazing and looks weird.

They are packed with a host of vitamins, minerals and are an excellent source of dietary fibre. They are known to be toxic if eaten raw – however cooked they are an amazingly flavourful starch for any meal. Their leaves are also used as a spinach or like we Indians do – make a flavourful chick pea batter and smear layers over the leaves – roll up like a swiss roll steam and enjoy, (recipe to follow in another blog post).

Their health benefits are:-

• Aids in digestion
• Boosts immune system
• Aids diabetics – because it regulates the release of insulin
• Aids general heart health and blood pressure because of their potassium content
• Keeps eyes healthy – because of beta carotene and antioxidant content
• Skin savers – vitamin A & E content

However their intake should be controlled because of its high calorie count – serve it with some seasoned yoghurt and it shouldn’t be too bad – enjoy in moderation.

 

Stir Fried Amadumbis

 

6-8 medium boiled, peeled and sliced amadumbis

50ml cooking oil

2-3 curry leaves

1 dry chilli

3ml cumin seeds

5ml cumin powder

5ml salt

10ml lemon juice

Method

• Heat oil in a heavy based frying pan, add the curry leaves, dry chili and cumin seeds and allow to splutter
• Add the amadumbis lower heat – and allow to cook for a few minutes – so the flavors can infuse
• Sprinkle the cumin powder, salt and lemon juice and stir well – leave on heat so the sliced amadumbis can crisp up
• Once done – garnish with chopped fresh coriander and serve with some salted smooth cottage cheese or some plain yoghurt

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