Spiced Nigerian Yam and Spinach Stir Fry
A vibrant stir fry featuring tender yam cubes infused with aromatic spices and fresh spinach leaves. This African-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs yam tuber, fresh spinach leaves, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and diced yam tuber
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium, thinly sliced onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 small, finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and onions turn translucent.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups peeled and diced yam cubes to the skillet and stir to coat with the aromatics.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the yam; stir well.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup water, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until yam is tender.
- Step 6: Add 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, stir, and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts but remains vibrant.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot as a side or light main dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Nigerian Yam and Spinach Stir Fry take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Nigerian Yam and Spinach Stir Fry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep yam tuber from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Nigerian Yam and Spinach Stir Fry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Nigerian Yam and Spinach Stir Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Nigerian Yam and Spinach Stir Fry?
African vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
