Ghanaian
Etor
Etor is a beloved Ghanaian mashed yam dish enriched with red palm oil, onion, pepper, and roasted groundnuts. It is often served with boiled eggs and avocado for a comforting celebratory meal.
Watch it madeChefabbys · 1:09
Ingredients
- White yam, peeled and cut into chunks600g
- Salt1 tsp, plus more to taste
- Red palm oil1/4 cup
- Small onion, thinly sliced1
- Scotch bonnet pepper1/2 to 1, to taste
- Roasted groundnuts, lightly crushed1/2 cup
- Hard-boiled eggs, peeled2
- Ripe avocado, sliced1/2
Method
- Place the yam chunks in a pot, cover with water, add 1 teaspoon salt, and boil until very tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- While the yam cooks, warm the red palm oil in a small pan over low heat and add the sliced onion.
- Cook the onion gently for 3 to 5 minutes until softened but not browned, then remove from the heat.
- Put the Scotch bonnet pepper and a pinch of salt in a mortar and pound to a rough paste.
- Drain the cooked yam, reserving a little of the cooking water.
- Add the hot yam to the mortar and pound with the pepper until smooth but still thick, adding a spoonful of reserved cooking water only if needed.
- Pour in the warm palm oil and softened onions, then pound and fold until the yam is evenly golden and well combined.
- Mix in most of the crushed roasted groundnuts, saving a little for garnish.
- Taste and adjust the salt.
- Shape the etor onto two plates and garnish with the remaining groundnuts, a hard-boiled egg, and slices of avocado.
Common questions
Can I substitute another yam if I can’t find white yam for etor?
Yes, use another starchy yam with a dry, fluffy texture, but avoid watery varieties. Sweet potato changes the flavor and texture too much. If you must substitute, choose fresh cassava or firm plantain only with a different result.
How long does etor take from start to finish?
Plan on about 35 to 45 minutes total. Boiling the yam takes 20 to 25 minutes, while softening the onions and pounding the mixture takes another 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how smooth you want it.
What are the most common mistakes when making etor?
Overboiling the yam can make it wet and gluey, while underboiling leaves hard lumps. Don’t brown the onions, and add only a little cooking water. Too much water or palm oil can make the dish loose and greasy.
How should I store leftover etor and reheat it?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat, adding a spoonful of water if needed. Fresh avocado should be added only when serving.
What is the best way to serve etor?
Serve it warm, shaped into mounds or scoops, topped with the remaining groundnuts, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and ripe avocado. It pairs well with extra sliced onion or a fresh pepper sauce if you want more heat.