What is Amala and why should you make and enjoy it at home?
In Nigeria, Amala is a traditional side dish that has a mild flavor and a smooth and thick texture. You can make it with yam flour and water to get an authentic African dining experience.
I love serving it with my family’s soups and stews for a complete meal to savor. It’s absolutely simple to make – perfect for a vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly diet for a healthier dish.

Pin this recipe on Pinterest to save for later
Having Amala as a side dish can certainly upgrade your meal. Today, I’ll show you how to make it lump-free to get the perfect texture that will make you feel like you’re dining in Nigeria!
How to Make Amala
Amala is a two-ingredient recipe that needs a lot of stirring. You will need some elbow grease, but I can assure you that your efforts will be worth it. I can’t wait for you to try how delicious and satisfying Amala is!
Ingredients
This Amala is so simple that you only need these ingredients to make it:
Yam flour
There’s a reason why “yum” and “yam” sound alike. Yam flour is a starchy powder that you usually use in African dishes. You can make it by drying or dehydrating and milling yams until you get the right texture.
It’s a multi-purpose flour that can be a good alternative when you’re cooking or baking. Aside from the subtle flavor it adds, it also has health benefits that can be great for your diet.
According to Delighted Cooking, yam flour has 100 calories per serving. It has a rich flavor because it can be sweet, earthy, nutty, and smoky! At times, it can be bland when eaten on it is own.
Yam flour is not just good for your appetite but your health too.
- It is rich in fiber that can help with metabolism and weight loss.
- This flour is also food for strengthening your bones.
- Yam flour is also rich in vitamin C to boost your immunity.
- Since it is starchy, yam flour helps regulate blood sugar levels too.
- Moreover, it helps your body digest food better for improved gut health.
You can use it to make soups and stews creamy, smooth, and thick. I also suggest baking with yam flour to taste how good it is for your favorite pastries, such as cakes, bread, and even cookies.
Water
Cooking the yam flour in water will give it the smooth and thick texture that you’re looking for in Amala. Accordingly, it makes the yam flour easier to stir and dissolve until thick and smooth.
Isn’t it surprising how two simple ingredients make a tasty and perfectly textured Amala? Now, let’s go to the fun part, cooking!
Directions
Here’s how easy it is to make Amala:
- Boil water in a pot on medium heat.
- Set some of the boiled water aside for later use.
- Add the yam flour to the boiling water.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir to avoid lumps.
- Keep mixing until it is smooth.
- Pour some of the water that was set aside.
- Then, reduce the heat to low heat.
- Cover and leave to cook for three to five minutes.
- Continue stirring until nice and smooth.
- Pour water into a bowl, and put the serving spoon in the water before transferring the amala to a plate.
You can now enjoy lump-free, smooth, and fluffy Amala at home! Pair it with your favorite African recipes for one of the best meals ever.
Tips
How to Make Yam Flour
Can’t find yam flour at your local grocery store? Make your own version at home.
- Use a knife to slice the yams into circular pieces.
- Peel the yam slices.
- Chop the round yams into smaller slices.
- Then, wash and dry the yams.
- Dry the yam slices under the sun, in the dehydrator, or in the oven.
- Once dried, mill the yams in a food processor or miller until powdery.
- Store the yam flour in a container for several months!

Amala Variations
Since swallow foods like Amala are popular in Africa, there are different versions that you can try.
In addition to this classic Amala recipe, you can use the foolproof Amala Fele Fele for another way of cooking Amala. The important thing about cooking this dish is that it is smooth and lump-free.
If you love Amala, then you surely love these solid or swallow recipes:
- Plantain Fufu
- Banana Fufu
- Oat Fufu
- Semolina Fufu
Recommended Tools
- Pot: Cook the Amala in a pot.
- Wooden spoon: Stir the yam flour and water using a wooden spoon.
- Bowl: Put water in the bowl to transfer the dish to a plate.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn commission income from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
Visit my shop for more products.
How to Serve Amala Fele Fele
Because of its smooth and thick texture, you can best enjoy Amala with soups, stews, and other African dishes. Its mild flavor is perfect for savory, smoky, and spicy recipes.
I suggest eating the Amala by dipping your fingers in water and getting your desired amount. The water will make it easier for you to get the Amala without it sticking to your fingers.
Here are some of the best dish pairings I suggest:
Balance the flavors of the meal with any of the following drinks:

Storage Tips
- At room temperature: Eat the Amala within a few hours of making it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amala made of?
You can make Amala with simple ingredients like yam flour and water. All you have to do is stir everything together until it’s smooth, thick, sticky, and lump-free. There are also other Amala recipes that you can cook.
Is amala same as fufu?
No, Amala and fufu are not the same. While you can turn fufu into balls for serving, you can’t shape the amala like balls. However, both make excellent side dishes for lunches and dinners.
What is the English name of Amala?
In English, you can also call Amala as “Pounded Yam” because you need to mix and pound the yam flour in water until thick and smooth. If the Amala is made of other ingredients, then it can have a different name.
How does Amala taste?
Amala has a deep, earthy, and starchy flavor, which is due to the yam flour’s starch content. The flour can also taste a little bit sweet. The water helps balance the earthy flavor of the yam flour for a pleasant taste.

Amala, Soft and Lump Free (VIDEO)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup yam flour
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot on medium heat.
- Set some of the boiled water aside for later use.
- Add the yam flour to the boiling water.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir to avoid lumps.
- Keep mixing until it is smooth.
- Pour some of the water that was set aside.
- Then, reduce the heat to low heat.
- Cover and leave to cook for three to five minutes.
- Continue stirring until nice and smooth.
- Pour water into a bowl, and put the serving spoon in the water before transferring the amala to a plate.
Video
Notes
- Keep stirring the mixture to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Don’t cook at high heat to prevent burning.