Asaro
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. The dish is known for its soft texture and rich flavor. During cooking, part of the yam breaks down into the sauce, creating a thick and hearty porridge. Asaro may be prepared with fish, meat, vegetables, or seafood, and it is served hot.
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)
- 4 cups water or stock
- 1 medium (about 1 kg) yam, peeled and cubed
- Leafy vegetables such as spinach or ugu (optional)
Ingredients for 4 servings (3.2 kg) · the original recipe
Method
- 1
Blend the tomatoes, peppers, and onion into a smooth purée.
- 2
Heat the oil in a pot and add the purée. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Stir in seasoning cubes, salt, and any protein being used.
- 4
Stir in the water and bring to a boil.
Stovetop - 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.
Stovetop - 6
Add leafy vegetables if desired and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes.
- 7
Adjust seasoning and remove from heat.
Recipe from Wikibooks Cookbook, written by Wikibooks contributors. Used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence; the ingredient list and method on this page are taken from that page and edited (its notes, tips and variations are not reproduced), and are available under the same licence. The macros, equipment tags and scaling are Ma Kitchen’s own and are not the source’s figures. Ma Kitchen is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wikibooks Cookbook. Copied on 2026-11-12.
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