Eto, mashed yam in palm oil
3tor
Mashed yam or plantain with palm oil, served with boiled eggs and roasted groundnuts.
- Total time
- 40 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
3tor (spelled Eto in English) is a celebratory Ashanti dish. Boiled yam or ripe plantain is mashed with red palm oil until golden, then served with sliced boiled eggs, ripe avocado and roasted peanuts. It is often prepared for special occasions and naming ceremonies.
Ingredients
- 1 kg white yam (or 4 very ripe plantains), peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/3 cup red palm oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 boiled eggs, sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- Roasted peanuts or groundnuts
- Fried ripe plantain (optional)
Method
- 01
Boil the yam in lightly salted water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until soft. If using plantain, boil for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- 02
Drain and transfer to a large bowl while still hot.
- 03
Mash with a potato masher or pestle until smooth, or lumpy if you like some texture.
- 04
Add the palm oil, salt and chopped onion. Mix well until the colour is an even golden orange.
- 05
Spoon onto plates and top with slices of boiled egg and avocado.
- 06
Serve warm with roasted peanuts and fried plantain on the side.
Kitchen tips
- Mash while the yam is hot. It becomes gluey as it cools.
- Add palm oil gradually until it is rich but not greasy.
- A little sautéed onion and pepper can be stirred in for extra flavour.
Cooking abroad?
Look for white yam (puna or Ghana yam) at African stores. If you cannot find it, sweet potato or very ripe plantain makes a good version.
