Yam Porridge (Asaro)

⭐ Quick Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~420 per serving
• Difficulty: Easy

🥘 Ingredients

• 1 medium tuber white yam (2–2.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup palm oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2–3 tbsp pepper mix (blended red bell peppers, tomatoes, scotch bonnet)
• 3 tbsp ground crayfish
• 1–2 cups stock or water
• 1 smoked fish or 1 cup smoked turkey/beef (optional)
• 1–2 seasoning cubes
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup spinach or ugu, chopped
• 1 tsp locust beans (iru) (optional)

👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions

1. Add Yam to Pot: Place cubed yam in a pot and pour in enough stock or water to barely cover.
2. Build the Flavor: Add pepper mix, onions, palm oil, crayfish, seasoning cubes, salt, and locust beans. Stir gently.
3. Cook: Cover and simmer on medium heat for 15–20 minutes until yam is fork-tender. Stir occasionally.
4. Create Creaminess: Lightly mash some yam pieces with the back of a spoon to thicken the porridge.
5. Add Protein: Stir in smoked fish or meat and cook for another 5–7 minutes.
6. Finish Strong: Add spinach or ugu, cook for 2–3 minutes, and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve Hot: Enjoy thick, creamy Asaro with extra palm oil drizzle if desired.