THE SUMPTUOUS TASTE OF YAM PORRIDGE

What is a yam?  

Have you been asked that question or ever asked it? Well, a yam is starchy root vegetable that grows underground, similar in shape to a potato but longer, heavier, and rougher on the outside. Yams can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kg). Yep! You read that right. 100 pounds! Some are white, purple, yellow, or even reddish. In North America, what's commonly sold as a "yam" in grocery stores is a sweet potato. Real yams are sold in African, Caribbean, and Asian Markets. 

Southwest Farmers Market, your #1 African Grocery Store in North America, sells fresh yams to help feed your taste buds in different, sumptuous ways.

Ever tasted or eaten Nigerian yam porridge? "Not yet! What is it?" Say what now? 

Well, you should experience this porridge because it is delicioso — a delicious, comforting dish made from fresh white yams cooked in a flavorful mixture of pepper sauce, palm oil, ground crayfish, dried fish (or other protein of your choice), salt, and water until soft and creamy. It is truly hearty, slightly spicy (to your taste), and absolutely deeply satisfying. It is a favorite in many Nigerian homes. 

One of the best times to enjoy Nigerian yam porridge is during the Fall Season, when the temperature is cooler & soothing and the new yam season. As a matter of fact and tradition, a New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) is celebrated annually in the eastern parts of Nigeria (Ndi Igbo) around August to October, which signals the closure of the farming season and the start of harvesting new yams, and in Benue State — Igede Agba Festival in Benue State among the Igede people in September.

But wait! There are cultural and spiritual significance to this new yam/festival. Here they are:

Thanksgiving: The festival is a way to thank the gods, ancestors, the land, and the supreme deity for a successful harvest.

Unification and identity: This is when people return home, communities gather, extended families meet, and traditions get reinforced.

Taboo on old yams: It is believed that it's improper to eat the new yam before the proper traditional rites. Therefore, before the festival, people are not supposed to eat the new yams. According to the Igbo tradition, the first slices are offered in ritual to the gods or elders before general consumption. 

The New Yam Festival is now also celebrated in North America and Europe. And Southwest Farmers Market has fresh, new yams and all the ingredients to make your yam porridge savory and finally give your palate what it's been craving for all summer long. 

KEY INGREDIENTS 

1 medium white yam (2-2.5 lbs) 

1/2 cup palm oil - gives it a rich red color and a unique flavor.

Protein - smoked fish or dried fish, or protein of your preference.

Seasonings - bouillon cubes or powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon ground crayfish (optional) for that extra flavor.

Pepper blend - a mix of fresh 3 medium Roma tomatoes, 2 red bell peppers, 1 medium onion, and scotch bonnet (optional).

Vegetables (optional) - dried or fresh scent leaves, 1 cup chopped fresh spinach, or ugu (pumpkin leaves). 

Now, let's cook: 

Peel and cut the yams into medium cubes, rinse, and set aside.

Wash, cut, and blend the peppers, tomatoes, and onions into a smooth mixture. Save half of the chopped onion.

Heat palm oil in a pot on medium heat. Add the half-chopped onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the blended mix, stir, and fry on medium heat for 10-12 minutes until the oil floats to the top. Then, the sauce is ready.

Add 2 cups of water or the fresh protein stock into the ready sauce and season with all the seasonings. 

Add the yam cubes, stir, cover the pot, and cook on medium heat until soft.

Gently stir occasionally to help mash the yams to thicken the sauce.

Finally, add the vegetables and/or the protein, stir, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then, serve hot. 

Some pair their bowl of yam porridge with boiled eggs or beans & fried plantain. I enjoy mine with grilled salmon and sautéed crunchy kale tossed in fresh onions and garlic olive oil. Goodness! I am getting hungry. 

What do YOU enjoy yours with? 

Well, however you enjoy yours, make sure to buy all your ingredients to cook yam porridge with from Southwest Farmers Market. 

Let's celebrate this Thanksgiving Day with a comfort meal like yam porridge. 

Visit any of Southwest Farmers Market 14 locations or order online to stock up on your fall favorites. 

By Nkem DenChukwu