Discover a new take on the classic Nigerian Beans & Yam Pottage Recipe.. Packed with flavor from eja kika, crayfish, and fresh ugu, this easy, wholesome recipe is perfect for family meals or batch cooking.
If you’ve only had plain beans or plain yam, you’re missing out on one of the best-kept secrets in Nigerian cooking Beans & Yam Pottage.
It’s not just a meal. It’s warmth. It’s memory. It’s that pot your mum stirred with love, especially on a cool afternoon after school. But today, we’re giving it a gentle twist with smoky eja kika, creamy textures, and the finishing freshness of ugu leaves. This Beans & Yam Pottage Recipe will be the best you have seen on the internet today.
So whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for a stress-free week, this yam and beans porridge is the kind of comfort food that nourishes your body and reminds you of home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups beans (brown or black-eyed, washed)
- Half tuber of yam (peeled and diced into chunks)
- ¼ cup palm oil (more or less to your liking)
- 2 tatashe (red bell pepper)
- 2 atarodo (scotch bonnet peppers)
- 1 medium onion (sliced or chopped)
- 2 tbsp crayfish (blended or crushed)
- Eja kika (smoked catfish or any dried fish)
- A handful of ugu leaves (sliced)
- Salt to taste
- Water

Let’s Cook: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Soften the Beans
Start by cooking your washed beans in a pot with enough water to cover them. Allow them to cook halfway until they begin to soften. (This usually takes about 25–30 minutes depending on the type of beans.)
2. Add Your Yam
Once the beans are halfway cooked, add in your chopped yam chunks. Add more water if needed to keep everything covered.
3. Blend the Peppers
Blend your tatashe, atarodo, and a small portion of the onions into a smooth pepper mix. This forms the spicy, flavorful base of your pottage.
4. Flavor the Pot
Once the yam softens slightly, add the blended pepper mix, palm oil, crayfish, and the rest of the chopped onions. Stir and allow the ingredients to infuse.
5. Add the Eja Kika
Wash and debone your eja kika, then toss it into the pot. The fish releases a deep, smoky flavor that transforms the pottage from basic to bold.
6. Let It Simmer
Simmer the pot on medium-low heat until the yam starts to break down slightly and the mixture thickens into a pottage. Stir gently to avoid burning.
7. Finishing Touch: Ugu
Just before you take it off the heat, sprinkle in your ugu leaves and allow them to wilt slightly in the steam. Add salt to taste.
Why You’ll Love This Beans & Yam Combo
- Balanced Nutrition: Get your fiber, carbs, and protein all in one bowl.
- Deep Nigerian Flavor: Palm oil, crayfish, and dried fish give it that unforgettable richness.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and locally sourced ingredients.
- Meal Prep Approved: This dish freezes and reheats well, so make a big batch!
Cooking Tips for the Best Beans & Yam Pottage Recipe.
- Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Use sweet yam if you like a touch of natural sweetness in your pottage.
- Want it thicker? Mash some of the yam against the pot as it cooks.
- Add a splash of oil at the end if you want it more glossy and rich.
Serving Suggestions For Beans & Yam Pottage Recipe.
- Serve hot with a chilled glass of zobo, kunu, or cold water.
- Great for lunch or dinner, and perfect for sharing on family tables or Sunday gatherings.
- Add fried plantains on the side for that extra touch of joy.

Nigerian Beans & Yam Pottage Recipe: A Hearty One-Pot Wonder for Any Day
This Nigerian Beans & Yam Pottage recipe is not just easy to make it’s filled with heritage, comfort, and wholesome goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is a must-add to your weekly meal plan.
So the next time someone asks, What’s for lunch? surprise them with a smoky, hearty bowl of beans & yam pottage recipe with eja kika and ugu. They’ll thank you. Their stomachs will thank you. And maybe, you’ll thank yourself for discovering your new favorite recipe.
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Nigerian Beans & Yam Pottage Recipe: A Hearty One-Pot Wonder for Any Day