By Farouq Ojochegbe Ameerah




Asaro which is also known as yam porridge or yam pottage is a very delicious yam recipe though it's eaten by most tribes in Nigeria, however it is most common in the Yoruba speaking parts of Nigeria. It's also easy to make. If you love yam then you will love this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

* 1 Yam: There are different species of yam but the bets for this recipe is African yam

* Red bell pepper

* 1 Large fresh tomato

* 1/2 cup ofFresh palm oil: the palm oil give the porridge it's colour and slightly fluffy feel

* 1 Large onion divided into two

* Salt to taste

*2tablespoon of chicken bouillon 2cubes

*Fish and 2tablespoon of crayfish

* Vegetables: e.g spinach, ugwu ( pumpkin leaf) optional

* Herbs: optional



THE COOKING PROCESS

*Peel and cut the yam rinse it, it is better to rinse the yam twice or more times until the water has no sand under. The yam should be in medium sized cuts, so make sure it is not to thick that way the yam will cook faster.

* Blend your pepper mix: The bell pepper, tomato and half onion

* Put the yams inside a pot, and add the blended sauce, salt, bouillon powder or cubes, and water. Cover and let it cook for 10 minutes on medium to high heat

* Add in the palm oil, sliced onions, and crayfish, cover, and leave to cook for an additional 10 minutes.

* After the 10 minutes time is over, when you the yam is soft enough because some yam are stronger than others. Mash the yams with a potato masher or a wooden spoon. You do not have to completely mash the yam you can leave a few chunks, it gives more texture but you can choose to completely mash yours.

* The next step is to add your fish, it can be dried fish, boilled or stock fish anyone you prefer, you can also add cuts of turkey or any other meat you prefer.

* Let it simmer for an additional 3 to 6 minutes giving the meats and fish room to soften and add extra flavour to the porridge yam.

* Stir in the herbs like basil, or leafy greens like spinach, kale, or ugwu) This part is optional

* Serve and enjoy while it's still hot



There are a few things that should be put into consideration when making the Nigerian mashed yam porridge:

*It is best to use as little seasoning as possible because The yam itself is sweet especially if it is old yam, the new yam will also do but might require more seasoning. When there is excessive seasoning, it will overshadow the sweet taste of the yam porridge

* It's best to use the freshest palm oil you can possibly get because stale palm oil will ruin the taste of your porridge and you might not enjoy it as much as you should.

* Add more water if necessary but don't over do it because you don't want your porridge being too watery.





Course: Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner, main course

Cuisine: African

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total Time:55 minutes

Servings: 3 to 4 people

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[quote author=Normally3D post=130974526][/quote]

Beautiful!