How to Make Ikokore – Pottage

How to Make Ikokore (Water Yam Pottage). Ikokore, or yam porridge, is a Nigerian delicacy made with grated water yam immersed in a delicious, rich pepper sauce. Hence, it’s flavorful, savory, and ultimately luscious in taste and heavenly in texture.

This is a must-cook dish for occasions and dinner parties, so don’t miss out on this phenomenal recipe to learn how to make it! 

Enjoy an authentic Nigerian dining experience by cooking this Water Yam Pottage that is moreish!

How to Make Ikokore

This recipe is so delicious that you’ll make Water Yam Porridge whenever you have them. 

Ingredients

Without further ado, here are the ingredients you will need to cook this Water Yam Porridge:

Water yam

Water yam is mildly sweet and earthy, with white and slippery flesh. I usually use starchy tuber vegetables to make porridge, fritters, and other dishes. Once grated, water yam becomes a smooth, sticky, and thick ingredient that you can use for plenty of recipes. 

Mackerel

Mackerel has a subtle sweetness and savory flavor. Boiled and seasoned mackerel improves the quality of the Ikokore. Moreover, it has a soft texture that pairs well with the porridge and the water yam. 

I also love using mackerel for other dishes like Moi Moi, Egusi Soup, and Fish Rolls!

Peppers

This recipe uses sweet and bell peppers for sweetness, color, and aroma. These ingredients give the sauce a floral fragrance that makes it appetizing. In addition, peppers are naturally healthy vegetables commonly used in African dishes. 

In fact, peppers are the best ingredients for Jollof Rice, Fried Rice, and Chicken Fried Bulgur!

Scotch bonnet

Scotch bonnet is an excellent ingredient for a mildly spicy flavor to balance the dish’s sweetness. Furthermore, it creates the perfect blend of sweet and savory. 

You can also turn scotch bonnet into Chili Flakes!

Onion

The pungent pepper goodness of the onion can improve the overall taste of the pepper sauce. It also has a fragrance that blends well with the sauce. 

Palm oil

Palm oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking porridge. Moreover, its earthy, savory, and aromatic qualities make the dish tastier. 

Seasoning

Ikokore seasoning is simple. You need salt, all-purpose seasoning, stock cubes, and mixed herbs. I also use these spices for the water yam itself and the porridge.

These are common ingredients for Nigerian recipes. Indeed, these will give the dish excellent quality! Always have these in stock, and you can make this recipe any time you crave it. 

Directions

Get into your chef mode, and let’s get started on this Ikokore dish!

Prepare the yam

1. Slice the yam in half using a knife.
2. Peel off the skin and cut the yam into quarters.
3. Then, rinse them in a bowl of water and dry them with a paper towel.
4. Grate the yam using the smallest holes of the grater. The substance should be stretchy. 
5. Season it with salt and all-purpose seasoning.
6. Mix with your hand.
7. Cover it with a lid and set it aside. 

Cook the mackerel

1. Rinse and slice the mackerel into 3 or 4 pieces using a knife.
2. Place it in a pot with a bit of water.
3. Season it with salt, stock cubes, and mixed herbs.
4. Then, cook it for 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Set the liquid stock aside.
6. Debone and break the mackerel into chunks. 

Make the sauce 

1. Use a knife to slice the sweet pepper, bell pepper, scotch bonnet, and onion.
2. Put them in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth.
3. Heat palm oil in a pot.
4. Then, pour the blended sauce and the liquid stock from the mackerel.
5. Cook this for 10 minutes.
6. Season it with salt and a stock cube.
7. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes. 

Cook the porridge 

1. Add the grated water yam into the sauce in balls.
2. Cover it with a lid and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
3. Turn the yams over for even cooking.
4. Then, add the mackerel chunks and cover to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Stir the contents with a wooden spatula.
6. Finally, transfer to a bowl to serve!

With its flavor and texture, you won’t expect how easy it is to make this Ikokore. The combined goodness of the yam, mackerel, and pepper sauce surely makes this dish delicious. After serving this, your loved ones will never forget about it!

Tips

Buying and Storing Ikokore Ingredients

Water yam

Selection. Ensure that the water yam is firm and slightly rough in texture. Additionally, there should be no cracks or soft spots. 

Storage. Room-temperature water yams can last up to three weeks if you place them in a dry yet ventilated area. Refrigerate them once sliced. I also have a frozen yam technique that you can try to preserve!

Peppers and scotch bonnet

Selection. Bell peppers, sweet pepper, and scotch bonnet should have smooth and healthy-looking skin. They should also be free from soft spots and rotten areas.

Storage. Store them at room temperature for about two weeks. You can also refrigerate or freeze in resealable bags and airtight containers. 

How to Grate Yams Without a Grater

If you don’t have a grater, puree the yam using a blender or food processor instead. Otherwise, use a mortar and pestle to turn it into a paste-like substance. 

How to Make Pepper Sauce Without a Blender

In addition to using a blender to make the sauce, you can use a grater or knife to chop the vegetables finely. Then, filter them through a fine-mesh sieve. Other options include using a food processor for similar results. 

Ikokore Variations

Ikokore is highly customizable, from the toppings to the seasoning. For instance, aside from mackerel, you can use beef, seafood, or other protein-rich food to add flavor to the dish.

You can replace the mackerel liquid stock with meat or vegetable stock for a varied taste. You can also make the seasoning as spicy or sweet as you want!

Recommended Tools

• Knife: Slice and chop the ingredients using a knife. 
• Grater: Grate the water yam for a smooth consistency.
• Bowl: Season the grated yam in a bowl.
• Pot: Cook the porridge in a pot. 
• Blender: Prepare the sauce in a blender.
• Spatula: Use a spatula to stir the ingredients. 

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How to Serve Ikokore

If you think Ikokore is already delicious as a dish, wait until you serve it with the following African delicacies:

• Egusi Soup
• Chicken Gizzard Stew
• Crispy Chicken Wings
• Roast Chicken
• Grilled Croaker Fish
• Fish Fillet

For beverage options, complement and balance the savoriness of this dish with drinks such as Iced Tea, Watermelon Juice, Pineapple Juice, and more!

This dish can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner to satisfy your cravings and mood. 

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Ikokore is best served at room temperature for up to 4 hours. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of Ikokore?

Ikokore is also known as Ifokore or Water Yam Porridge. It is also called a pottage because it’s a thick soup of vegetables with mackerel and spices!

What is Ikokore made of?

This dish is mainly made of water yam because of its starchy and thick texture. It is also cooked with rich pepper sauce seasoned with spices. Finally, it is topped with mackerel or meat for a savory taste.

What can water yam be used for?

Water yams are popular for fritters, porridge, frittata, and other dishes. 

Is it yam porridge or pottage?

This recipe is for yam porridge or pottage because both are thick and smooth in consistency. These are also flavorful and made of healthy ingredients.