What makes Yam (Suran) a magical vegetable for the human body

Whether you call it Zimikand, Elephant Foot Yam, Yam, Ole or Suran, this vegetable is known for its ‘itchy throat’ nature and probably that’s the reason it is not very popular. Regarded as a part of the compulsory Lakshmi Puja meal on Diwali in several part of India, Suran which is a variety of yam, grows under the soil in form of a tuber and is a powerhouse of nutrition. It has been a part of traditional Indian cooking since ages. Specially popular in Bangladesh, Bihar and West Bengal, it is recommended by three main medicinal systems, namely the Unani, the Siddha and the Ayurveda.

Buy a yam which is not too young and fresh or it will be more itchy for the throat. Add lemon juice to reduce itchiness.

Yam Curry: Boil yam and cut it into squares. Deep fry them and keep them aside. Heat oil in a pan and add jeera. Add grated onion and tomato and cook for 5 minutes. Add ginger, garlic and green chilli paste. Add a teaspoon of mustard powder, salt and turmeric and cook till oil separates. Add coriander powder and water and the the fried yam pieces. Simmer on low flame for ten minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Yam Bharta: Boil yam and mash it well. Add salt and chopped garlic and green chillies. Add the juice of one lemon. It tastes heavenly!

In China, Korea, and Japan, yam is used as a traditional medicine that helps control cough, ulcer, boils and other skin diseases. According to doctors, it contains allantoin, a cell that stimulates the healing process.