Asaro ( Nigerian Mashed Yam Porridge)

 Asaro is a yam porridge native to the Yorubas in Nigeria.
It is a tasty dish and a staple in most Yoruba homes.
Asaro is one meal that makes me feel nostalgic; probably because it reminds me of my primary school days— *smile& deep happy sigh* .
This meal is quite easy to prepare and enjoyed by all (both young and old), and I’m sure you would too.

Ingredients for Asaro
– 1 medium sized tuber of Yam
– 1 medium sized Onion(chopped)
– 1 scotch bonnet pepper(atarodo)or Chili pepper( to taste)
– 1 large red bell pepper(tatashe)(optional)
– 2 large tomatoes(optional)
– 2 to 3 spoonful ground Crayfish
– Cleaned Smoked fish or cooked dried fish(optional)
– 1 large stock cube/seasoning cube
– 1/2 teaspoon Salt
– 100 ml Palm oil

Hints:
* Asaro can be prepared with or without tomatoes and tatashe(red bell pepper), so feel free to add or omit it.
* You can also use more tomatoes and tatashe(red bell pepper) and reduce the quantity of palm oil, if you are watching your oil intake.
* Skip the chili pepper, if cooking for little kids.
Preparation:

1. If you’ll be using tomatoes and tatashe(red bell pepper), wash and blend together.
Then pour into a pot, add about 4 cups(600ml) of water and set to boil on low heat.
If you’ll only be using palm oil, then put only the water to boil.

2. While it boils, cut the yams into medium cubes,  peel off the skin and rinse thoroughly.

    
Add the yam immediately to the pot, leave to boil for 5 minutes on medium heat, then add the smoked fish (if using),  add the palm oil, ground crayfish, pepper, chopped onions, stock cube and salt. Cook until yam is very tender.
This might take up to 15 minutes(more or less), depending on the specie and age of the yam.
Tip: If the yam sucks up the whole liquid in the pot, before it is tender, don’t hesitate to add a little more water and cook the yams until soft.

3. Now reduce the heat to low and mash the yam with the back of your cooking spoon. 
Don’t worry if you still have big lumps, because most people like to see some yam chunks in their asaro, but be sure to mash thoroughly if it’s for little kids.

4. Finally put off the heat. Serve and enjoy.

Here are other yam recipes you might like:
* Yam and Fish Pepper soup

* Nigerian Yam Porridge with Vegetables

* Yamarita | Dun Dun Oniyeri (Egg battered Yam fries)

* How to make Pounded Yam in a Blender

* How to Make Cocoyam Paste (Ede Ofe) in a Blender Without a Mortar 
* Dun Dun (fried yam slices/yam fries)

I love your comments and feedback, feel free to drop me a line ☺.