After Morocco, we move to Nigeria - another African country
today. I shall keep this post small and quick as the dish too is real quick and
spicy and just too addictive.
Presenting Nigerian Ojojo (or Yam
fritters) - a popular street food of Nigeria. Pronounced as Or-Jor-Jor, the
original recipe used grated water yam and then dipped into a flour base, deep
fried. Considering that cleaning and prepping the yam is a pain, and as I had
access to diced yam, I quickly made a batch of these for the evening snack and
they were gone before I could click.
Luckily I had a portion kept away for the
husband, and that came handy. Kids loved it (who doesnt like deep fried food).
So, if you are a fan of bhajias and pakoras, you might like these Nigerian Yam
fritters (I will try the grated version next time). A perfect snack with your
evening tea.
Adapted from this recipe.
5 quick facts about Nigeria
 |
| Nigerian Flag |
- The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with
the Republic of Benin in
the west, Chad and Cameroon in
the east, and Niger in
the north. Its coast in the south lies on the Gulf of Guinea in
the Atlantic Ocean. - Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is
Africa's most popular and best selling literary piece ever, translated into
over 40 languages across Africa and the World (I have read this book, and its
truly a class apart) - Nigeria is often referred to as the "Giant of Africa",
due to its large population and economy.With approximately 174 million
inhabitants, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world. - Nigerian cuisine, like West African cuisine in general, is known
for its richness and variety. Many different spices, herbs and flavourings are
used in conjunction with palm oil or groundnut oil
to create deeply flavoured sauces and soups often made very hot with chili peppers. - Nigerian feasts are colourful and lavish, while aromatic market
and roadside snacks cooked on barbecues or fried in oil are plentiful and
varied.
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| Location Map of Nigeria |
*************
Country : Nigeria
Dish : Ojojo (Water yam fritters) – a popular street food
Spice level : Medium
Serving suggestions : Soup or with Tomato ketchup
Prep time : 15 mins | Cook time: 10 mins | Serves : 3
Adapted from Dobby’s
recipe
Ingredients:
- Water yam / yam – peeled and grated (I cubed it) - 1 cup
- Onion powder – 1 tablespoon (or you could use pureed onion – 4 tsp)
- Rice flour – 5 TBSP
- Besan / gram flour – 1 tablespoon (Opt. but I used it)
- Turmeric – a dash (opt.)
- Cornflour / Maida – 3 TBSP
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper powder – ½ tsp
- Ginger garlic paste – ½ tsp
- Oil – to deep fry
- Garnish - spring onion (diced) - totally optional
Method:
- Mix the flours, salt, ginger garlic paste, pepper, onion powder/
puree and add 1-2 tablespoon of water to make a slurry mass. - If the yam is grated, no need to add further water. But if using
cubed yam, add 1 teaspoon of warm oil, and mix in the cubes. - Let it rest for 3- 4 mins.
- Heat oil. When it reaches the right temperature, fry the fritters
in batches, and drain on absorbent paper - Serve hot with tomato sauce.
Lets see what the other marathoners have dished out for the World
Blogging Marathon
Srivalli says
I have never cooked yam, though this recipe sounds so good..I checked your source, that batter fritters looks good as well..should try it sometime..
cookingwithsapana says
Yam is yet to be used in my kitchen but your recipe looks so tempting that i must try it now..
Priya Suresh says
Wow, those fritters are asking me to munch some, looks like paneer cubes for me.
vaishali sabnani says
I like the batter that you have made, though I am no fan of yam..but surely I can substitute with another veggie...the fritters are welcome anytime.
MySpicyKitchen says
Yup, who doesn't love deep fried food! These do look addictive. I never tried yam fritters but my mom deep fries yam before making the curry. Those deep fried yam use to taste good as it is.
Varada's Kitchen says
Not a fan of deep fried foods but they are very similar to the bhajis. Liked your presentation, very appealing.
The Pumpkin Farm says
lucky for you....to have saved yoruself a batch this is a unusual ingredient for fritters...loved it
Archana says
Yam as in suran or ani kaal? Then this is need to try. If my girls dont like this I am giving up on them.;d
Pavani says
Those yam fritters look so addictive. Love your clicks, you made them look super tempting.
Unknown says
omg thats an tempting fritter with yam 🙂 very very delicious they look, similar to our indian bhaji isn't it 🙂 looks yummm !!
Harini R says
Lovely yam fritters.
Suma Gandlur says
I bet these were addictive.
Chef Mireille says
who doesnt like fried food - these look delectable
Gayathri Kumar says
Loving the way you have presented the fritters Kalyani. Looks fabulous..
Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen says
Yes, who doesn't like fried food!! Looks delicious and good way to feed yam to kids, mine never eat, fearing itch!!! this looks real tempting!
Padmajha says
My husband is a huge fan of yam and he will surely love this one! Pics look great Kalyani...