Yam Porridge (MPOTO-MPOTO) or Yam Pottage is a tasty one pot dish (popular in both Ghana and Nigeria), made with either Yam, Cocoyam, Plantain, Hannah Sweet Potatoes or Japanese Sweet Potatoes. I have made different creative versions of this recipe, however I kept to the authentic recipe this time.
An authentic Yam Porridge recipe is smoky in flavour (derived from the inclusion of smoked Fish) and has a distinctive mustard colour due to the inclusion of Palm oil or Zomi.
Please ensure your Palm oil is sustainably produced and it is best to use Zomi for this recipe.
Zomi is Palm oil infused with secret spices which adds a fragrant nutty taste to the dish.
Let’s start
INGREDIENTS
2 large smoked Fish
1 large Onion
5 Green chillies
400g of peeled and cubed Yam pieces
700ml of Water
Salt to taste
GARNISH
6 whole Green chillies
1 sliced Onion
Watch how I made this authentic recipe on my YouTube channel, ‘Ndudu by Fafa’ below,
Don't forget to subscribe, like the videos and share with your family and friends.
Yam Pottage (as called by Nigerians) MPOTO-MPOTO ( as called by most Ghanaians, the Akan name)or Yam porridge (perfect way for me to describe it) is a delicious and quick recipe and one that's synonymous to both Ghanaians and Nigerians.
The creamy and lightly spiced taste would leave you wanting for another plate. The Yam Pottage gets its bright orange colour from the spiced Palm oil used. Please ensure your Palm oil is sustainably produced and for the best type go for Zomi (which is produced perfectly by the Ewe tribe of Ghana). Zomi is Palm oil infused with secret spices which packs a great flavour. A perfect choice for this dish.
Try using smoked Fish for an authentic flavour. I opted for Prawns instead as I didn't have any smoked fish, however by adding Shrimp powder it gave the dish an intense seafood flavour.
I call it making the most of what you have😜.
Ingredients
250g of peeled and cubed Yam
500ml of Fish stock
2 tablespoonfuls of Zomi (Spiced Palm oil).
1 large diced Onion
1 chopped green chilli
250g of shelled Prawns (or smoked Fish)
1 teaspoonful of Shrimp powder or Shrimp stock
20g of finely chopped spring onions and Green chillies(optional)
Salt to taste.
Method
Place the Yam cubes and Fish stock in a saucepan on a medium heat.
(Cubed Yams cooks quicker, however you can slice them as shown below).
Boil for 10-12 minutes.
In a frying pan, melt the Zomi (don't burn it as you'll loose the beautiful flavour of the Zomi).
Add the diced Onions and fry gently for 2 minutes.
Add the chilli and Shrimp powder and fry for another minute.
Transfer the oil mixture (Zomi, Onions, Shrimp powder and Chilli) to the boiling Yam.
Add salt to taste.
Cook for a further 8 minutes
Add the Prawns and cook for another 2 minutes.
The Yam at this stage will have a mushy and slightly firm consistency.
Tip
Mash the Yam further with a wooden spoon (careful not to mash into a smooth paste). It's best to have some Yam bites as this gives the dish the perfect texture.
Cover the mixture for a further 2 minutes (the steam will cook the Prawns further).
Serve warm and sprinkle with chopped Spring Onions (which is optional) and enjoy!
Watch the full recipe on my YouTube channel, 'Ndudu by Fafa'. Please don't forget to subcribe, try the recipe, leave a comment with your feedback and share with family and friends.
All photos,recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.
