Etor

Etor (or otor) is a traditional yam purée (or sometimes plantain purée) from Ghana enriched with palm oil. YAM IN GHANA Yam is known as ete in the native Ghana language Ewe and is literally translated as “swollen”. According to the native African tales, yam was an accidental discovery. In one of the hunting expeditions, a hunter discovered this edible tuber in the forest. As it was a severe famine period, he hid it in the ground for later use. When he went back to fetch it, it had germinated and grown much bigger in size. Due to its gigantic physical appearance, yam came to be known as ete and subsequently eto or oto. The traditional Ghana dish otor is from the Akan and Ga regions. It is a simple concoction made of mashed yams or plantains, which is compulsorily served along with hard-boiled eggs. Cooked yam or plantain is mashed in traditional earthenware called asanka or ayewa, similar to a mortar and pestle, as mentioned when we discussed kakro. Otor is considered a sacred and celebratory dish in Ghana and it forms an integral part of the Ghanaian culture. The two main components in this dish, yam and eggs play a key role in the Ghanaian traditions and practices.