Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      pound         tender yams
   1      tablespoon    salt -- up to 2
   3      cups          vegetable oil for deep frying
   2      inches        fresh ginger root
   1      clove         garlic
   3      tablespoons   vegetable oil
   1      teaspoon      cumin seeds
   2                    green cardamoms
   1                    bay leaf
   4                    peppercorns
   1      inch          cinnamon stick
   1      teaspoon      turmeric
     1/2  teaspoon      chile powder -- (or use cayenne
                        -- pepper)
   1      teaspoon      ground coriander
     1/2  teaspoon      garam masala -- (optional)
                        salt to taste
   4      ounces        fresh tomatoes -- (or use 8 oz canned
                        -- tomatoes)
   4      tablespoons   yogurt -- (opt).
   1 1/2  cups          water
   1      tablespoon    chopped coriander leaves -- (cilantro)

Preparation:

1) Peel the yams, cut them into 1 inch cubes, place in a colander and sprinkle liberally with salt. Let stand 10-15 minutes, then dry on paper towels. 2) Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, ginger, and garlic, and roughly chop the tomatoes. Heat the oil over a moderate flame, add the cumin seed, and cook until they begin to sputter. Add the chopped onion, ginger, and garlic. Cook until the onion is a rich golden color. Add all the spices and season with salt to taste. Cook a few seconds more, and then add the tomatoes. Let this cook while you continue as below. 3) Heat the oil for deep frying to 350F and cook the yam cubes, a few at a time, until golden brown. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper. Set aside. 4) Add the yogurt to the tomato mixture, and continue to cook until the oil begins to separate out. Add the water and bring to a boil. Let boil a few minutes, then add the yam cubes, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for about 25 minutes. 5) Serve hot, garnished with the chopped coriander.