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Yam Pottage Recipe

Updated: Apr 18

Yam pottage, also known as yam porridge, is a popular West African dish that is often made with a combination of yams, vegetables, and spices. This hearty and filling dish is traditionally eaten as a main meal and is often enjoyed with a side of fried plantains or a salad.

To make yam pottage, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups of peeled and cubed yams

  • 1/2 cup of chopped onions

  • 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers

  • 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes

  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme

  • 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika

  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

  • 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 cup of spinach

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

For kitchen equipment, you will need a large pot, cutting board, knife, and a wooden spoon.

To begin, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Next, add the bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Add the yams, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and broth to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the yams are tender.


Once the yams are cooked, use a wooden spoon to mash them slightly. This will thicken the pottage and give it a creamy consistency. Add the spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, you can substitute or omit ingredients as needed. For example, if you are vegetarian or vegan, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If you are allergic to bell peppers, you can substitute them with another vegetable of your choice.


As for healthy alternatives, you can use coconut oil instead of olive oil, and add more vegetables to increase the nutrient content of the dish. You can also reduce the amount of salt and use low-sodium broth to make the dish healthier.


In terms of calorie intake, one serving of yam pottage contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the serving and the ingredients used.

Here are some Amazon links for the ingredients and equipment used in this recipe:

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