Eto is a well-known yam dish from Ghana that is usually eaten as a snack or side dish. It has resemblance to the more popular West African cuisine known as Yam Porridge, but with a distinctive Ghanaian twist. The following is a basic recipe for Eto:
Ingredients:
- 2 large yams
- 2-3 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (palm oil is traditional)
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, green bell peppers, and fresh chili pepper for some heat
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions:
- Peel and cut the yams: Start by peeling the yams and then cutting them into small cubes. The size of the cubes is a matter of personal preference, but they are typically around 1-inch in size.
- Boil the yams: Place the yam cubes in a pot of water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Boil until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the eggs: Hard-boil the eggs, then peel and chop them into small pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Spice it up: Add the ground ginger and ground pepper to the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to combine and let it cook for a minute or two.
- Mix it all together: In a large bowl, combine the boiled yam cubes, sautéed onions and spices, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Mix everything together, ensuring that the yam cubes get coated with the flavors.
- Add salt and optional toppings: Season with salt to taste and add diced tomatoes, green bell peppers, and fresh chili pepper if you like. Stir well to combine.
- Serve: Eto is typically served at room temperature or slightly warm. You can garnish it with fresh cilantro or parsley for some extra freshness and color.
Eto can be served on its own as a snack or side dish, or it can be accompanied by a spicy pepper sauce or a stew for a more substantial meal. Enjoy this delicious Ghanaian dish!