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    Home » Recipes » Inter-Continental Dish » Asaro (Nigerian Yam Porridge)

    Published: Jan 25, 2023 by Maureen Celestine with Leave a Comment

    Asaro (Nigerian Yam Porridge)

    This incredibly flavorsome asaro dish is a Nigerian classic. It’s a one-pot dish that requires less than thirty-five minutes to prepare. It’s excellent served on its own or with other delicacies like my fiery peri peri chicken. Finish it off with a chilled glass of zobo for the utmost comfort.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A pot of yam porridge.
    Jump to:
    • What is yam porridge?
    • Why you’ll love this recipe
    • Ingredient list
    • 💭Variations and Substitutions
    • Substitutions/Variations
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Experts Tips
    • What to pair with yam porridge?
    • RECIPE FAQS
    • Love African Dishes? Try these Related African Recipes.
    • 📖 Recipe

    What is yam porridge?

    Yam porridge/Yam pottage, or Asaro as the Yoruba people of Nigeria call it, is a delicious savory dish. It is made with white yam tubers, simmered in a pepper mix, mostly seasoned with dehydrated prawns (crayfish), and finished with green leaves. It gets its beautiful hue, which the Yorubas often call “Asaro rede rede,” from unrefined palm oil.

    Why you’ll love this recipe

    • This porridge is not just tasty; it is loaded with healthy ingredients and a great way to add more nutrients to your diet.
    • Like my Nigerian jollof rice and oha soup, this one-pot dish is simple and easy to cook, making a great lunch or dinner for the whole family. 
    • It’s great to make it ahead of time and tastes even better the next day. 

    Ingredient list

    Here are some of the main ingredients to make this yam pottage a hit:

    ingredients for the asaro recipe on a flat surface.
    • White yam (Dioscorea rotundata): Nigerian yam or African yam tuber is the main ingredient in this yam porridge. It is native to African lands, Asia, and other tropical regions. Not to be confused with Sweet potato, which is called yam in America. Yam is a starchy tuber with rough, bump-like brown skin. The older the yam, the sweeter its flavor, and it resembles a sweet potato.
    • Red bell pepper: Red bell peppers have a sweet flavor and add vibrant color to the porridge.
    • Habanero: This chili pepper is known for its heat and spice. When using habanero, make sure you add it according to tolerance for heat and spice.
    • Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis): use 100% pure, unrefined red palm oil that is rich with a thick consistency. I swear by this Omni brand found on Amazon, or get one from your local African or Caribbean grocers. 
    • Crayfish is a staple in Nigerian cuisine. They are sun-dried prawns that can be used whole or ground into a powder-like texture. They add an instant umami flavor to any dish.  
    • Dry fish: Also known as dry or smoked catfish head, dry fish adds a rich flavor to this dish. Be sure to thoroughly clean the fish, removing any bones and gunk from the head before using it. 
    • Green leaves: like amaranth greens (a.k.a Callaloo, pigweed, Quintonil, vlita, saag paneer ). Amaranth is a little tougher than spinach, so give it a few minutes to soften before removing the pot from heat.  

    💭Variations and Substitutions

    ** If you can't find these ingredients in your local African or Caribbean store, search my chop chop website, Amazon, or Etsy.

    Substitutions/Variations

     This dish is enjoyed in many regions of Nigeria; hence, it’s made in different ways. In addition to the method mentioned below, I often add the yam to a stew base and let it simmer on low heat until it is cooked through. You can use this stewed base for my Jollof rice or kale stew without using palm oil.

     Ingredients substitutions:

    • Smoked Mackerel, stock fish, or cubed fried beef can be used instead of dry fish. 
    • Greens: Other great options for replacing amaranth greens are spinach, kale, and ugwu (fluted pumpkin leaves). Either fresh or frozen leaves can be used.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Here are easy steps on How to make the porridge Yam:

    showing how to cut white yam tubers in step-by-step photos.
    Roughly chopped peppers and onion inside a food processor bowl.

    Step 1: Cut the yam in half and peel it from top to bottom. 

    Step 2: Cut the yam in half, lengthwise, and do the same for the other half. 

    Step 3: Cut the half into 3 pieces or quarters. Repeat the step for the rest of the yam.

    Step 4: Rinse the yam under running water, place it into a large non-stick pot with enough water to cover the top, and season with salt. 

    Step 5: Add the peppers and onion to the bowl of a food processor, then give it a few pulses.

    Pepper mix, crayfish and palm oil added into the pot with yam.
    cleaned dry fish and chopped amaranth green on a plate.

    Step 6: Add the pepper mix, seasoning, and half of the crayfish into the pot, then cook.

    Step 7: Clean the fish under running water and remove the bones and specks of dirt. Rinse and chop the leaves.

    adding the rest of the ingredients into the pot with yam.
    Adding the fresh leaves into the pot of asaro.

    Step 8: Add the dry fish, palm oil, and the remaining crayfish into the pot. Stir, cover, and cook for a few minutes.

    Step 9: Lift the yam and check for doneness. At this point, mash one or two to thicken the porridge. 

    Step 10: Add the leaves and stir to incorporate. Cover and cook for a few minutes. Remove from heat and serve. 

    Please see the recipe card for measurements and detailed instructions.

    Experts Tips

    • When purchasing white yam, choose older, not new, or water yam, as it isn’t fully matured. Press down on the skin to ensure there are no soft spots, which signifies rotten/spoiled yam. 
    • Use fresh, unrefined palm oil for maximum taste and benefit, NOT palm kernel found in most American grocery aisles. Look for the expiration date to be sure you are getting a good batch. 
    • Depending on the consistency of your porridge, add or remove water as needed before adding the pepper mix. 
    • Cooked yam can go from soft to mushy in a heartbeat. So keep an eye on the pot once the yam is fork-tender, or you’ll have no yam chunks left. 
    • Although I said to mash two yam cubes for thickness, mash more if you prefer a thicker consistency. 
    A serving of porridge yam in a white bowl with a glass of water.

    What to pair with yam porridge?

    This African porridge is best when enjoyed on its own. But if you feel like having a feast, then you should pair it with local recipes like:

    • Black-eyed bean porridge 
    • Goat meat stew
    • Seared Salmon 
    • Kale stew 
    • Crispy lemon pepper chicken wings 

    RECIPE FAQS

    How many minutes does it take to cook yam?

    It takes about 15-18 minutes for yam to get fork tender when it’s cooked on medium-high heat, slightly covered.

    What can be made from yam?

    Pounded yam
    Yam flour
    Fried yam
    Yam fritters 

    Are yams healthy?

    Absolutely! Yams are packed with nutrients and offer many health benefits. They are rich in minerals and fiber, low in calories, and can reduce inflammation, promote brain health, control sugar levels in the blood, and help with weight loss.

    Are yams and sweet potatoes the same?

    White yams are native to African lands, Asia, and other tropical regions. They are not to be confused with Sweet potatoes, which are called yams in America. White yams are starchier, whereas sweet potatoes have a creamy texture. Moreover, yams have rough brown skin, whereas the skin of a sweet potato is smooth to the touch.

    Love African Dishes? Try these Related African Recipes.

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      Kale Stew (African Style)
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      NIGERIAN MEAT PIE
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      Stewed Goat with Chickpeas -Moroccan style

    This asaro recipe is one of our favorites, and I hope it also becomes yours!  If you try this recipe, share a bite with us on our social media. If you make this recipe using the hashtag worldlytreat (#worldlytreat), we’d love to join the soirée. Also, don’t forget to pin it for later. Chat soon?

    PEACE & LOVE

    Maureen

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase after clicking on a link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost. Thanks for your continuous support.

    📖 Recipe

    a bowl of yam pottage.

    Asaro (Nigerian Yam Porridge)

    This asaro dish a.k.a Yam porridge is a Nigerian classic. It’s a one-pot dish that requires less than thirty-five minutes to prepare. It’s excellent served on its own or with other Nigerian delicacies. 
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: african, Nigerian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 22 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 32 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 897kcal
    Author: Maureen Celestine

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs White yam tuber
    • 5 cups Water
    • 2 large Red bell pepper
    • 3 Roma Tomatoes
    • 1 Habanero pepper plus more if you like it spicy
    • 1 Medium red onion
    • 1 cup Pure red palm oil unrefined
    • ½ cup ground Crayfish ,divided
    • 1 seasoning cube or a teaspoon of seasoning powder
    • 3 medium whole Dry fish
    • 5 oz Fresh or frozen Amaranth greens kale or spinach is fine

    Instructions

    • Cut the yam in half and peel it from top to bottom. Then cut the yam in half, lengthwise, and do the same for the other half. Cut the half into 3 pieces or quarters. Repeat the step for the rest of the yam.
    • Rinse the yam under running water, place it into a large non-stick pot with enough water to cover the top, and season with salt.
    • Place the bell peppers, habanero, and onion in the bowl of a food processor, then Pulse until it’s roughly combined. Add the pepper mix, seasoning cube, and half of the crayfish into the pot with yam. Cover the pot loosely and cook on medium-high heat for 15 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, separate the head of the fish from the body and clean it under running water, making sure to remove any bones and gunk. Pluck, wash, and roughly chop the amaranth leaves and set them aside.
    • Add the dry fish, palm oil, and the remaining crayfish into the pot with the yam, then stir to combine. Adjust for taste. Cover and Cook for 5 minutes.
    • Lift a piece of yam with a spoon. Check to see if the yam is soft to the touch. Use a fork or masher to mash one or two, then place them back into the pot. This helps thicken the porridge.
    • Add the leaves and stir to combine. Adjust taste. Cover and cook for 2 minutes or until the leave softens (It will take less time for spinach). Remove from heat. Serve immediately

    Notes

    *(Please see the step-by-step photos in the body of post, as well as experts tips and where to purchase some items)*
    • If using frozen leaves, thaw them before adding them to the porridge.
    • Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is possible but not advisable as the texture of the yam might change.
    • Depending on the consistency you like your porridge, add or remove water as needed before adding the pepper mix. If the porridge is too runny, mash a piece of yam to maintain a thicker consistency.
    • Cooked yam can go from soft to mushy fast. So keep an eye on the pot once the yam is fork-tender, or you’ll have no yam chunks left.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 | Calories: 897kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 91g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 486mg | Sodium: 1086mg | Potassium: 2162mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3988IU | Vitamin C: 99mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 5mg
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    Maureen celestine

    Thanks for stopping by. It means the world to me. On Worldly Treat, you'll discover family-friendly dishes, one-pot recipes, signature cocktails, classic African dishes, holiday favorites, and lots more! Easy recipes for the everyday home cook. You can taste the world right in your kitchen without taking a trip. Please follow along. Let's get cooking!

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