Yam Giz Dodo: A Flavorful Fusion of Yam, Gizzard, and Plantain
Introduction
Yam Giz Dodo is a mouthwatering, flavorful dish that combines hearty yam, crispy fried plantains, and savory gizzards, all coated in a vibrant, spiced sauce. This Nigerian-inspired dish is a celebration of rich, tropical flavors, and it’s perfect for those who love hearty comfort food with a touch of spice. The combination of tender yam, crispy plantains, and well-seasoned gizzards creates a harmony of textures and flavors, while the sweet peppers, tomatoes, and Scotch bonnet bring the dish to life with aromatic warmth.
Whether served for a family meal or a special occasion, this recipe will impress with its vibrant colors and delectable taste. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for creating this beautiful dish.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small Yam | 1/2 (medium size) |
| Vegetable Oil | 4-5 tablespoons for yam and gizzards; 1.5 cooking spoons for sauce |
| Ripe Plantains | 2 |
| Sweet Peppers (Red, Yellow, Green) | 1 of each |
| Red Bell Peppers | 2 |
| Tomatoes (Plum or Medium) | 1/2 can or 3 medium |
| Onions | 2 |
| Scotch Bonnet | 1 |
| Bouillon Cubes | 2 |
| Curry Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Allergen Information
This recipe contains no dairy or nuts but does include vegetables, oil, and seasoning that should be checked for any individual sensitivities. The dish is suitable for most diets but be cautious of the scotch bonnet pepper, which may be too spicy for some. The gizzards and plantains, fried in vegetable oil, are also not suitable for people with an allergy to soy (if using soy-based oil). Always consult a health professional if there is concern about potential allergens.
Dietary Preferences
- Gluten-Free: This dish does not contain gluten, making it a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
- Paleo/Whole30: The ingredients, such as yam, gizzard, plantains, and fresh vegetables, fit well into both the Paleo and Whole30 diets.
- Carnivore: For those following a strict carnivore diet, simply omit the yam and plantains and focus solely on the gizzards and vegetables in the sauce.
- Vegetarian: A vegetarian version can be made by replacing the gizzards with a plant-based protein or another meat substitute.
Preparation Instructions
-
Blend the Tomatoes, Red Bell Peppers, Scotch Bonnet, and Onion
Start by blending the tomatoes, two red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet pepper, and one onion together in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth or semi-smooth, then set the mixture aside. -
Chop and Season the Vegetables
Chop the sweet peppers (red, yellow, and green) into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. Also, chop the remaining onion and set it aside. -
Prepare and Cook the Yam
Chop the yam into large, bite-sized pieces. Add 4-5 tablespoons of water to the yam and season with one bouillon cube. Set aside.
In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. When the oil is moderately hot, carefully add the yam along with the water into the oil. It’s important to be cautious when doing this, as the water in the oil can cause splattering. You can also remove the pan from the heat before adding the yam to avoid any potential fire hazard. Fry the yam for 5-6 minutes until it’s well cooked, then drain in a colander. -
Prepare the Gizzards
Clean and chop the gizzards into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, one bouillon cube, the remaining onion, thyme, and curry powder. Cook the gizzards until tender, then fry until golden brown. -
Fry the Plantains
Peel and chop the plantains into bite-sized pieces. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or pan and fry the plantains until golden brown. Set aside. -
Make the Sauce
In a wok or deep pan, pour 1.5 cooking spoons of vegetable oil and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Next, add the blended pepper mixture (tomatoes, red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet, and onion). Stir in the thyme, curry powder, one bouillon cube, and salt to taste. Let the mixture fry for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. -
Combine the Ingredients
After frying the sauce for 10-13 minutes, add the chopped sweet peppers and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Add the fried gizzards and stir to combine. Then add the fried yam and stir everything together. Allow the ingredients to cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Finally, add the fried plantains, stirring gently to incorporate. Be sure not to overcook the plantains to avoid them becoming soggy.
Advice
When frying the yam, always remember to be cautious when adding water to the oil. If you feel uncomfortable with this step, feel free to fry the yam in smaller batches or use a pan without water. The plantains and gizzards can also be fried separately to achieve the perfect golden crisp.
You can adjust the heat of the dish by controlling the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper used. If you prefer less spice, you can substitute the Scotch bonnet with milder peppers. The combination of fresh herbs and spices makes this dish incredibly aromatic, so don’t hesitate to play around with the seasoning to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
Yam Giz Dodo is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines some of the best ingredients from Nigerian cuisine—fried yam, plantains, gizzards, and a spicy, savory sauce. The medley of textures and flavors in this dish is truly satisfying, and it can be enjoyed as a main course or shared among friends and family during gatherings. Its vibrant colors and rich aroma make it a showstopper on any table.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious and comforting meal, Yam Giz Dodo will not disappoint. It’s the perfect fusion of crispy, tender, and spicy elements that make each bite a delight.
