If you’ve been wondering how to cook porridge yam, you’re in the right place. Porridge yam, also called Asaro, is one of the most loved Nigerian comfort foods. It is a soft, flavorful dish made with yam chunks cooked in a pepper and palm oil sauce, seasoned to perfection, and enriched with vegetables or fish/meat. The good news? It’s very easy to prepare at home and doesn’t take too long.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare a perfect pot of yam porridge, gather these simple ingredients:
1 medium-sized tuber of yam (peeled and cut into small chunks)
2 tablespoons palm oil
3 fresh tomatoes( optional)
2 scotch bonnets (atarodo)
2 medium onions
1 teaspoon ground crayfish
1 smoked fish or stockfish (optional)
Seasoning cubes and salt to taste
Water (just enough to cook)
A handful of chopped vegetables (ugu, scent leaf or spinach.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Porridge Yam
Prepare Your Ingredients
Peel the yam and cut it into small cubes. Blend your tomatoes, (if using)peppers, and one onion until smooth. Slice the remaining onion and set aside.
Start Cooking
In a medium pot, heat the palm oil on low heat. Add the sliced onions and fry until fragrant. Pour in the blended pepper mix and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the raw taste disappears.
Add the Yam
Add the yam pieces to the sauce, pour in enough water to cover them halfway, then add seasoning cubes, crayfish, and salt. Stir well. Cover the pot and allow it to cook for about 15–20 minutes.
Mash and Stir
When the yam becomes soft, mash some pieces with a wooden spoon while leaving a few chunks whole. This gives the porridge that creamy, thick texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add Fish and Vegetables
If you’re using smoked fish or stockfish, add them now and simmer for another 5 minutes. Stir in your chopped vegetables if desired and cook for 2 more minutes. That’s how to cook porridge yam to perfection smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying.
Tips to get the correct yummy porridge yam
1. Choose white yam.
2. Don’t make it too thick.
3. Don’t make it too watery.
4. Use good palm oil.
5. Add fresh vegetables
You may also want to read our post on how to cook delicious unripe plantain porridge
