recipe.exchange

Asaro

@arecipe.bsky.social

Asaro, also known as yam porridge is a traditional Nigerian dish made by cooking yam in a richly seasoned sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and oil. It is particularly popular among the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria but is enjoyed throughout the country.

Total 01:00
Yield 3–4

Ingredients

  • 3 medium tomatoes
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 2 scotch bonnet chile peppers
  • 1 medium onion
  • ½ cup palm oil or vegetable oil
  • 2–3 seasoning cubes
  • Salt to taste
  • 200 g protein, such as fresh fish, meat, or smoked fish (optional) (optional)
  • 4 cups water or stock
  • 1 medium (about 1 kg) yam, peeled and cubed
  • Leafy vegetables such as spinach or ugu (optional) (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Blend the tomatoes, peppers, and onion into a smooth purée.
  2. 2
    Heat the oil in a pot and add the purée. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. 3
    Stir in seasoning cubes, salt, and any protein being used.
  4. 4
    Stir in the water and bring to a boil.
  5. 5
    Gently stir in the cubed yam. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the yam becomes soft and some of it has broken down to thicken the dish.
  6. 6
    Add leafy vegetables if desired and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes.
  7. 7
    Adjust seasoning and remove from heat.

Recipe Attribution

Wikibooks Cookbook
en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Asaro