Yam-yam Nai Bak 芋香奶白菜

     Locally, the general public is of the opinion that yam and taro are same thing, but in western countries they are of different species, 芋 in Chinese. Yam and taro are both rich source of vitamins and minerals but still different in many ways. Yam is from the Dioscoreaceae family while Taro is from Araceae. 

Yam leaves usually has a long stalked and purplish to red in color unlike Taro is well-known with big leaves like an elephant's ear. Yam has smooth thin skin while Taro skin has a rough and hairy outer coating on its surface. Yam can be harvested from the vine or from the roots unlike Taro is usually harvested by manual plucking from the roots.

           

Yam with vegetable, we have not tried this dish before until a year ago, it was introduced by a restaurant - Yam with Nai-Bak and we love it! 

Mr. B would like me to try to cook this dish, I did not try as don't have the recipe and I have not cook yam before :)

My 1st attempt is considered successful just that the yam need to be cooked for a little longer. The below is my trial an error recipe... 

Yam-yam Nai Bak Choy 芋香奶白菜

Recipe by ~ Ting

Ingredients

• 400 grams Yam, peeled, cut into pieces
• 1/2 tablespoon Garlic, chopped
• 150 grams Nai-Bak Choy
• 250 ml Water
• 150 ml Fresh Milk* (substituted with homemade anchovy stock)
• 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil
• A dash of Sea Salt
• 1 teaspoon Chicken Stock Powder* (omitted)

Instructions:

1. Peel off the yam skin, wash and cut into pieces. 

2. Wash nai-bak choy, drain and set aside.

3. Heat up oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add in Yam, stir-fry until aromatic then add in water/fresh milk and bring to boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minute or until soft.

4. Lastly, add in nai-bak choy and fresh milk. Simmer jai-bak chou until cooked/tender and gravy thicken. Lastly, add in salt to taste. 

Note-to-self:

- DO NOT wash the yam before peeling off the skin to avoid itches on the hands.
- Yam will turn soft faster if cut it into smaller pieces.

- You may not need to use all the water, adjust accordingly.

- Fresh milk can be substituted with homemade anchovy or chicken stock.

Will try to cook this yummy dish again and will update the recipe if there are any changes... Please feel free to share your view if the above recipe require any adjustment ^^

Happy Cooking!