Yam Porridge

Dive into the savory warmth of Yam Porridge, a hearty and flavorful West African dish that combines tender chunks of yam with a rich, aromatic sauce. Infused with the bold flavors of red bell peppers, tomatoes, and a touch of scotch bonnet heat, this porridge is elevated by the earthy richness of palm oil, the smoky depth of dried fish, and the umami punch of ground crayfish. The final touch of fresh spinach adds a vibrant, nutritious twist to this comforting one-pot meal. Ready in just under an hour and perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping, Yam Porridge is the ultimate fusion of wholesome ingredients and bold African spices. Served piping hot, it’s a satisfying dish packed with flavor, texture, and tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized tuber (about 1 kg) Yam
• 2 medium Red bell pepper
• 2 medium Tomatoes
• 1 large Onion
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
• 0.25 cup Palm oil
• 2 tablespoons Crayfish (ground)
• 100 grams Dried fish
• 1 bunch (or 200g frozen) Spinach leaves
• 2 cups Chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Peel and cut the yam into chunks, about 1 to 2 inches each. Rinse thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2

Blend the red bell peppers, tomatoes, scotch bonnet pepper, and half of the onion to a smooth puree. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Finely chop the remaining half of the onion and sauté in the palm oil until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Pour the blended mixture into the pot and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the oil begins to separate from the sauce.

Step 5

Add the ground crayfish, dried fish, and stock to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Gently add the yam chunks to the pot, ensuring they're mostly submerged in the sauce. Add water as needed to ensure yams are covered. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 7

Cover the pot and allow the yam to cook for 20-25 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Check the doneness of the yam; it should be soft and tender. Use a wooden spoon to gently mash some of the yam to thicken the porridge.

Step 9

Add the chopped spinach leaves into the pot, stir gently, and allow to simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Step 10

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3043.6 grams (3043.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2468

Total Fat 62.40g	80%
Saturated Fat 28.40g	142%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 225mg	75%
Sodium 9864mg	429%
Total Carbohydrate 362.80g	132%
Dietary Fiber 60.70g	217%
Total Sugars 32.20g
Protein 120.50g	241%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 753mg	58%
Iron 18mg	97%
Potassium 11731mg	250%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.5%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 58.2%