How to Make Roasted Yam and Fried Stew, Nigerian Classic Delight

By Olumide Labulo

Roasted yam and fried stew is one of those dishes that brings instant joy to any Nigerian food lover. With its smoky, crispy slices of roasted yam paired with a spicy, flavorful tomato stew, it’s easy to see why this combo is a staple from Lagos street food stalls to cozy home kitchens around the world. Whether you roast the yam in an oven or over open charcoal, the end result is a hearty, comforting plate that never misses.

What makes this Nigerian yam recipe truly stand out is how versatile and easy it is to prepare. The fried stew is rich with blended tomatoes, peppers, and onions, seasoned to perfection and customizable with your favorite protein—boiled eggs, fried fish, or beef. It’s a no-fuss, deeply satisfying meal perfect for any time of the day. To prepare this flavourful dish right from your kitchen, here’s a step-by-step guide on how. First of, you’ll need to get your ingredients ready.

For the roasted yam:

1 medium tuber of yam
Salt (optional)
Vegetable oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing)

For the fried stew:

4–6 fresh tomatoes
2 red bell peppers (tatashe)
2 scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo)
1 medium onion (half for blending, half for frying)
2 cloves of garlic (optional)
A small piece of ginger (optional)
1/4 to 1/2 cup of palm oil for traditional flavour (or vegetable oil)
2 seasoning cubes
Add iru (locust beans) to enhance the umami flavor of the stew.
Salt to taste
Protein of choice (boiled eggs, fried fish, beef, or chicken – optional)

Once you have the aforementioned ready, the next phase is to roast the yam:

Start by peeling the yam and cutting it into thick round slices or wedges.
Wash the slices thoroughly and sprinkle lightly with salt if desired.
For oven roasting, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F), place the yam slices on a baking tray, and brush lightly with oil or butter. Roast for 30–40 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Alternatively, you can roast over hot charcoal for that classic Nigerian street-style flavor. Place the yam on a wire rack over glowing coals and roast until golden brown and cooked through.

Now, it's time to prepare our fried stew:

Blend your tomatoes, red bell peppers, scotch bonnet, half an onion, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
Pour the blended mixture into a pot and boil on medium heat until it reduces to a thick paste (about 10–15 minutes).
In a separate pan, heat up the vegetable or palm oil. Add the remaining sliced onions and fry until translucent.
Add the boiled pepper mix and stir well. Let it fry on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Season with seasoning cubes and salt to taste. Fry until the oil begins to separate from the stew, indicating it’s fully cooked (around 15–20 minutes).
If you’re adding protein like fish or eggs, stir it in and simmer for a few more minutes so the flavors blend.

Yipee, food is ready, right? Serving the dish, plate the hot roasted yam and ladle the spicy fried stew generously over it. Serve with boiled eggs, fried fish, or your choice of meat for a complete, filling meal. You can also enjoy it as a vegetarian dish without any added protein.

Roasted yam and fried stew is more than a dish, it’s a nostalgic reminder of home for many Nigerians. Whether enjoyed on a street corner or at the dinner table, this meal brings warmth and flavor to any occasion.