Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of cornmeal
- 1 cup of water
- 2 cups of yam, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 4 cups of water
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Mortar and pestle (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal and 1 cup of water until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Add the cornmeal mixture to the boiling water and stir continuously with a wooden spoon until it thickens.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a mortar and pestle, grind the ginger and garlic into a paste.
6. In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent.
7. Add the ginger and garlic paste to the pan and sauté for another minute.
8. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
9. Add the diced yam to the pot with the cornmeal and stir well.
10. Pour the tomato and onion mixture into the pot and stir well.
11. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the yam is tender.
12. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
- Low heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornmeal can be substituted with cassava flour or yam flour.
- Yam can be substituted with sweet potato or plantain.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with coconut oil or olive oil.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Add cooked chicken or fish for a protein boost.
- Add coconut milk for a creamier texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Stir the cornmeal mixture continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add more water if the porridge becomes too thick.
- Use a wooden spoon to prevent the porridge from sticking to the pot.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a bowl with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley on top.
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro or parsley
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of fried plantains or steamed vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fried plantains
- Steamed vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the porridge becomes too thick, add more water.
- If the yam is not tender after 25 minutes, continue to simmer until it is.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the yam is fully cooked before serving.
Food history:
- Akple and yam porridge is a traditional dish from Ghana.
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish.
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Region: Ghanaian