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Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, this South Indian yam fry is a flavor explosion. Elephant foot yam is perfectly spiced and shallow-fried to create a delicious and easy side dish that pairs wonderfully with sambar or rasam rice.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Yam
Boil the Yam
Marinate the Yam
This recipe goes great with these complete meals
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, this South Indian yam fry is a flavor explosion. Elephant foot yam is perfectly spiced and shallow-fried to create a delicious and easy side dish that pairs wonderfully with sambar or rasam rice.
This south_indian recipe takes 40 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 218.4 calories per serving with 2.65g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
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Shallow Fry the Varuval
Serve
For a lower-oil version, marinate the boiled yam as directed and cook in an air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy. You may need to spray with a little oil.
You can add 1/2 teaspoon of fennel powder (saunf) and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the marinade for a different flavor profile.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the marinated yam on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little extra oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Elephant foot yam is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, potentially helping with weight management.
This root vegetable is rich in potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, maintain fluid balance, and support proper nerve and muscle function.
Senaikizhangu provides important minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which are vital for bone health, energy metabolism, and immune system support.
Elephant foot yam contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause itchiness in the throat and mouth. Boiling it with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or tamarind effectively neutralizes these compounds, making it safe and pleasant to eat.
It has both healthy and less healthy aspects. The elephant foot yam itself is a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, and other minerals. However, this recipe involves shallow frying, which adds a significant amount of oil and calories. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal.
One serving of this Senaikizhangu Varuval contains approximately 170-190 calories, primarily from the yam (carbohydrates) and the oil used for frying (fats).
The most common reasons are over-boiling the yam, not drying the pieces enough before frying, or overcrowding the pan. Ensure the yam is just fork-tender, let it steam dry after draining, and always fry in a single layer to allow moisture to escape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The varuval will lose its crispiness. To reheat and bring back some crunch, warm it in a hot pan for a few minutes or use an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes.
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