Yam and Bean Porridge

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy and comforting Nigerian dish made with boiled yams, red beans, and a touch of palm oil for a rich, savory flavor. This Nigerian-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 100 minutes, pairs yams, red beans, onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Nigerian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil 2 lbs peeled and cubed yams in a large pot with 4 cups vegetable stock for 20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a separate pot, heat 2 tbsp palm oil over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves — sauté for 3 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 cup soaked red beans, 1 tsp ground crayfish, and 1 tsp thyme. Cook for 5 minutes, then add 4 cups vegetable stock. Simmer for 30 minutes until beans are tender.
  4. Step 4: Mash the boiled yams and add to the pot. Stir until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Yam and Bean Porridge take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (40 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Yam and Bean Porridge?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep yams from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Yam and Bean Porridge?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Yam and Bean Porridge for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Yam and Bean Porridge?

Nigerian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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