African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa)

African yam bean is the legume Sphenostylis stenocarpa, grown for its seeds and, in some settings, its edible underground tubers. The seeds are commonly cooked after soaking and used in soups, stews, or other bean preparations. This draft describes the seeds, not the tubers.

The seeds vary in size and colour, with a firm texture that softens after thorough cooking and a mild, bean-like flavour. They may be sold dry or cooked. Because the plant yields distinct edible parts, an ingredient labelled simply as African yam bean should be understood in light of whether it means seed or tuber.