Asaro (Yam pottage )

Asaro, a Nigerian yam porridge, features tender yam cubes infused with spicy palm oil and a medley of peppers. Adding minced Vchunks enhances the dish, creating a delightful, flavorful meal.

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

Servings: 1
  • 2 cups
    Yam cubes
  • 1/2 cup
    Vchunks minced
  • 1
    Onion chopped
  • 2-3 tbsps
    Palm oil
  • 1
    Red bell pepper chopped
  • 1-2
    Scotch bonnet peppers chopped
  • 2 cloves
    Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp
    Ground pepper
  • Salt Adjust to taste
  • Water
  • Fresh spinach or other leafy greens

Instructions

  1. Heat the palm oil in a pot until it becomes clear and slightly translucent. Be careful not to overheat and burn it.

  2. Add the chopped onions, minced Vchunks and garlic to the palm oil. Sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.

  3. Stir in the ground pepper and salt. Mix well.

  4. Add the chopped red bell pepper and scotch bonnet peppers. Sauté for a few more minutes until the peppers soften.

  5. Add the yam cubes to the pot. Stir them into the spicy palm oil mixture.

  6. Pour enough water into the pot to cover the yam. The water level should be about an inch above the yam.

  7. Cover the pot and let it simmer on medium heat until the yam are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. This usually takes around 20-25 minutes.

  8. If you'd like to add some greens, stir in fresh spinach or other leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking until they wilt.

  9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper as desired.

  10. Once everything is cooked to your satisfaction, remove the pot from heat and serve your Asaro.

  11. Enjoy your flavorful Nigerian Asaro.

Notes

The level of spiciness in this Asaro recipe can be tailored to your taste by adjusting the number of scotch bonnet peppers to create a dish perfect for your palate.

About the author

Bola Adeyanju

Tags

Courses: Nigerian Meals
Cuisines: Nigerian
Keywords: How to make Asaro, Nigerian Asaro recipe, Yam cubes in spicy palm oil
Special diets: Healthy, No added sugar, Nut-free
Difficulty: Level 2 (average)
Cooking time: 30-45 minutes
Season: General
Number ingredients: 5-10 ingredients
Taste: Savory, Spicy
Preparation method: Cooking
Type of dish: pottage, Pudding
Campaigns: VeggieChallenge