Yang Yu Ba (洋芋耙), also known as potato cake, is a specialty snack from Guiyang City, Guizhou Province. It is known for its crispy exterior, tender interior, and delightful aroma and sweetness of potatoes. Potatoes, known as “yang yu” in Guizhou, are considered to have a neutral nature in Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are believed to aid digestion, regulate the stomach and spleen, and strengthen the Qi. Therefore, they are suitable for treating conditions such as stomach and duodenal ulcers, chronic stomach pain, habitual constipation, and skin eczema.
The preparation method for Yang Yu Ba is as follows:
- Peel and slice the potatoes into thick pieces, then steam them in a pot for about 15 minutes.
- After steaming, turn off the heat and let them sit for 3 minutes before uncovering. Use a spoon or spatula to mash the potatoes into a smooth consistency until there are no lumps.
- Add glutinous rice flour and an appropriate amount of water, stirring until it forms a dough-like consistency. Then, add chopped green onions and salt for seasoning.
- Divide the dough into small portions, roll them into round balls, and flatten them to form cakes.
- Brush a layer of oil onto a flat pan, place the potato cakes into the pan, and fry them over low heat until both sides are golden brown.
Additionally, when serving, Yang Yu Ba can be paired with Guiyang’s unique barbecue chili powder and a small amount of diluted sweet bean sauce. Alternatively, different condiments such as tomato sauce can be added according to personal preference. Enjoying Yang Yu Ba with these condiments enhances its flavor and adds a spicy and savory kick to this delightful snack.