Editorial sample recipeGhanaianbeginnerdairy-freegluten-free

Ghanaian Mpotompoto Yam And Smoked Whitefish Stew

Name: Ghanaian Mpotompoto Yam And Smoked Whitefish Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Ghanaian
Ingredients: 680 g Ghanaian white yam, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 150 g smoked whitefish fillets, flaked and skin removed; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 medium red onion, chopped; 2 tbsp red palm oil; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 0.5 small scotch bonnet pepper, minced; 700 ml water; 1 tsp salt

A rich Ghanaian yam porridge stew simmered with smoked fish, tomatoes, and aromatics, mashed slightly for a velvety consistency.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 50 min

Technique to learn

Root vegetable mash thickening

Crushing cooked starch cubes into hot cooking liquid to naturally emulsify and thicken stews.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat red palm oil in a deep saucepot over medium heat; add chopped onion, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper, cooking for 4 minutes.
Step 2: Add tomato paste and stir continuously for 2 minutes until darkened in color.

Step 3: Add peeled cubed yams and toss in the fragrant red tomato paste until well coated.

Step 4: Pour in water and salt; bring pot to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, simmering for 15 minutes until yams begin to soften.

Step 6: Add flaked smoked whitefish into the pot, stirring gently, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until yams are fully tender.

Step 7: Use a wooden spoon to press a few softened yam pieces against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the stew broth before serving warm.

Cooking tips

If Ghanaian white yam is unavailable, substitute with sweet yellow yams or yucca root.
Gentle mashing at the end creates the classic thick porridge texture typical of mpotompoto.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Ghanaian; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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