Yam porridge, known as “Asaro” in Nigeria, is a beloved dish that is delicious, spicy, and easy to prepare. Perfect for any meal—breakfast, lunch, or dinner—this recipe will guide you through making a mouth-watering pot of yam porridge.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized tuber of yam, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2-3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper (tatashe), chopped
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (ata rodo), chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1-2 cups of palm oil
- 1-2 smoked fish (optional, for flavor)
- 1 cup of dried crayfish, ground
- Salt, to taste
- Seasoning cubes, to taste
- Water or broth (vegetable or meat broth adds more flavor)
- Spinach, ugwu leaves, or any green vegetables of your choice, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Yam and Vegetables
Peel the yam and cut it into medium-sized chunks. Rinse thoroughly and set aside. Blend the fresh tomatoes, red bell pepper, scotch bonnet pepper, and half of the chopped onion until smooth to create the base for your porridge.
Step 2: Fry the Tomato and Pepper Mix
In a pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining chopped onion and fry until soft and slightly brown. Pour in the blended tomato and pepper mix and fry for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and the oil floats on top.
Step 3: Add the Yam and Seasonings
Add the yam chunks to the pot, mixing well to coat with the sauce. Add water or broth until it slightly covers the yam. Season with salt, seasoning cubes, and ground crayfish. If using, add the smoked fish (ensure bones are removed). Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until the yam is soft.
Step 4: Mash and Stir the Yam Porridge
Once soft, gently mash some yam pieces with a wooden spoon to thicken the porridge. Stir well to combine flavors. Adjust the mashing based on your texture preference—more mashing for thicker porridge, less for chunkier.
Step 5: Add Your Vegetables and Finish Cooking
Finally, stir in your chopped green vegetables and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked. This adds color and nutrition to your dish.
Enjoy!
Your delicious and spicy yam porridge is ready! Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors with family or friends. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with protein like fried fish or chicken for a complete meal.