Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of gari (cassava flakes)
- 2 medium-sized yams, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of palm oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground crayfish
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the diced yams and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
4. Add the chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the yams cook for 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
6. Add the gari to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Add the ground crayfish, thyme, basil, parsley, and smoked paprika to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Let the soup simmer for 5-10 minutes until the gari has absorbed the liquid and the soup has thickened.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Gari can be substituted with cornmeal or semolina.
- Palm oil can be substituted with vegetable oil.
- Ground crayfish can be substituted with shrimp paste.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to stir the soup frequently to prevent the gari from clumping together.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more stock or water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the yams thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Gari and yam soup is a traditional West African dish that is popular in countries such as Ghana and Nigeria.
Flavor profiles:
- The soup has a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the combination of herbs and spices.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Nigerian