Yam porridge Recipe: it is also known as yam pottage. It is a delicious and hearty meal that is popular in many parts of West Africa. Asaro is the name it carries in Nigeria. This dish is made by cooking yam in a flavorful broth, typically with vegetables and sometimes with protein such as meat or fish. The result is a creamy, thick stew that is both filling and nutritious.
The Yam porridge or Asaro is another delicious Nigerian recipe which is cooked in a well-seasoned pepper mix until soft and fluffy with some chunks. Learn how to make this delicious recipe now because It is very quick and easy to make. It makes a perfect dinner or lunch and it is also a party favourite
More on Yam Porridge
Yam is a staple food in West Africa, and it is highly prized for its nutritional value. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it is also low in fat. In fact, yam is often used as a substitute for potatoes in many African dishes. Yam porridge is no exception, and it is a perfect way to enjoy the health benefits of this delicious root vegetable.
The key to making a delicious yam pottage recipe is to use the right combination of ingredients and spices. The most common ingredients used in yam porridge or Asaro include onions, tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens such as spinach or kale. Some recipes also call for meat, fish, or seafood to be added for extra protein and flavor.
To prepare yam porridge (Asaro Recipe), you will need to start by peeling and cutting the yam into cubes. Then, heat up a pot of water and add the yam, along with any other ingredients you plan to use. Simmer the mixture until the yam is tender and the broth is thick and creamy. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of yam you use and how soft you prefer your vegetables.
Learn the Asaro Recipe
One of the great things about yam porridge is that it is very versatile. You can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences, adding more or less spice, vegetables, or protein as desired. Some people like to add palm oil or coconut milk to their yam porridge for extra richness and flavor. Others prefer to keep it simple with just a few basic ingredients.
In addition to being delicious, yam porridge recipe is also very healthy. It is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide long-lasting energy and help to keep you feeling full for longer. It is also high in fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Overall, yam porridge is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for any time of day. Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner. why not give this traditional West African dish a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?
Yam Porridge Recipe (Asaro)
Ingredients
- ½ tuber of yam about 1kg
- 1 red bell pepper Tatashe
- 1-2 scotch bonnet chillies (Ata Rodo)
- 1 onion chopped
- ½ cup palm oil or use according to preference and you can substitute with vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon beef seasoning powder or stock cubes
- Salt – to taste
- 1 medium size mackerel fish cleaned (substitute with dry fish or smoked fish)
- 1 cup Beef stock (optional)
- 2 handfuls spinach or any green vegetable
Instructions
- Prep the ingredientspeel and cut yam into chunks, rinse and cover with cold water and set aside Roughly blend red bell pepper, scotch bonnet chill and onions together with water and set aside
- Boil the fish for about 5 minutes with seasoning cube, salt. Save fish broth for the porridge if you are not using beef stock. De-bone fish, flake and set aside
- Place a small pan on medium heat, add palm oil and heat for about 2 minutes. Add chopped onions and fry till onions are translucent. Take it off the heat and set aside. This is to be added to the yam at the tail end of the cooking.
- Place a large pan on medium heat; add yam chunks, blended pepper mixture and enough water to cover it (about one cm above the yam or keep it at the same level), add salt, seasoning cube and bring to boil till yam is almost tender. Reduce the heat if you have to avoid the yam burning. Add stock or water to yam in between cooking if need be
- Once yam is almost tender add already heated palm oil to the yam and continue to cook till yam is tender. Using a back of a wooden ladle, break yam into pieces but not to puree, leave some yam chunks if you desire
- Stir in the flaked fish and stir together gently into the yam to avoid breaking the fish and yam more, cook for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, add chopped spinach (or any other green vegetable), fold into porridge and cook for another 2 minutes. Take it off the heat as the vegetable would continue to cook just before you serve the dish.
