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Porridge yam is one of the most delicious foods in Nigeria. Although it’s mostly known as a porridge one could compare it more to mashed potatoes. Instead of just serving plane mashed yam add all these delicious species and ingredients to come up with this delicious dish that originally comes from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, but is now eaten all over the country and beyond.
Difference Between Porridge and Pottage
Porridge is a term used in other European nations to describe a meal cooked from various grains (rice, buckwheat, semolina, etc.) that has been boiled in water. This meal is best served hot with butter or a sauce.
Nigerians do not prepare porridge in the manner that Europeans do. Our ‘porridge’ is actually ‘pottage,’ which is made with yam, beans, other vegetables, and, in certain cases, meat. The phrase ‘pottage’ actually refers to Nigerian ‘porridge,’ as the two terms are used interchangeably in our country.
According to some sources, the word ‘pottage’ may have come from ‘a pot,’ as this is the element used in Nigeria and around the world to mix and prepare a variety of ingredients.
How To Make Asaro
Yam Pottage is a household name and this explains its easy preparation procedures.. It’s a popular Nigerian meal made with mashed yams and tomato stew. You have the option of having your Asaro – Yam pottage pureed or partially pureed.
‘Yam Poh’ is another name for Asaro. This is a simple and delicious yam porridge recipe that will keep you coming back for more. But the good news is that it’s simple to prepare and takes approximately 30 minutes. This, however, is very dependent on the yam. However, yam is usually ready in a short amount of time. This recipe is good for any time of day.
There are a variety of ingredients that could be utilized to make this recipe. Don’t be put off by the long list of ingredients; the most of them are optional. Without the addition of proteins, yam pottage can still be enjoyed.
Asaro (Yam Porridge)
Ingredients
- 1 tuber yam
- 1 large onion
- ⅔ cloves garlic
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1 scotch bonnet chili
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 tsp powdered ginger
- 1.5 tsps grated ginger1
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 3 stock cubes
- 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups water
- 0.5 cup palm oil
Instructions
- Peel the yam and cut it into small cubes (2cm2) and leave it soaked in cold water.
- Cut the onions, tomatoes chillis, and bell peppers into small pieces. Alternatively, blend it with a machine.
- Add the cubed yam to a sizeable pot and add water to cover the yam.
- Cook on medium to high heat for 15 mins.
- Add the onions, tomatoes chillis, bell peppers, and the remaining ingredients
- Stir to combine then re-cover the pot.
- Continue boiling for 5 minutes then reduce to a simmer.
- When the yam is soft, partly mash to aid thickening (do not mash all the yam soft, leave some lumpy).
- Add salt to taste if needed and it’s ready to be served.
