Creamy Yam Ragout

Ingredients

• 2 large yams, peeled and cubed (500g) 2 large yams, peeled and cubed (500g)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the diced tomatoes and red bell pepper to the pot, and cook until they soften.
3. 3.
   Stir in the thyme, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the cubed yams to the pot, and pour in the coconut milk. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the ragout simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the yams are tender and cooked through.
6. 6.
   Once the yams are cooked, remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Creamy Yam Ragout hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs well with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yams — Make sure to peel and cube the yams evenly to ensure even cooking.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the cooked yams with a fork to thicken the ragout.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or green beans to the ragout for added texture and flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to meld even further.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Yam Ragout as a main dish accompanied by steamed rice or crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Creamy Yam Ragout with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a plate, allowing the creamy sauce to envelop the yam cubes.