World Flavors Cookbook

Asaro (Yam Porridge)

A comforting Yoruba dish of yam slow-cooked in a spicy tomato-pepper base with palm oil and often garnished with leafy greens.

Cuisine: Nigeria

Ingredients

• 1 kg Puna Yam, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup Palm oil
• 1 bulb onion, chopped
• Blended pepper mix (tomato, tatashe, rodo)
• 2 tbsp crayfish, ground
• 1 piece smoked fish, deboned
• Seasoning cubes and salt
• Fresh Ugu or Spinach (optional)

Instructions

1. Place yam cubes in a pot with enough water to cover them. Boil until nearly tender.
2. Add the blended pepper mix, palm oil, onions, crayfish, and smoked fish.
3. Season with salt and seasoning cubes.
4. Cook until the yam is soft. Mash some of the yam cubes with a wooden spoon to thicken the porridge.
5. Stir in leafy greens if using and simmer for 2 minutes.