Ghana Month: A look at the most reserved delicacy ‘Mpoto-Mpoto’

It is not just only a meal but a staple Ghanaian cuisine that gives you a long-lasting taste of feeling.

The common name given to it in Ghana is ‘Mpoto-Mpoto’ which means ‘Yam Pottage’, due to its mashed texture.

The meal can also be prepared with cocoyam or cassava, therefore it can also be referred to as cocoyam pottage or cassava pottage.

‘Mpoto-Mpoto’ is an Akan word but as one people with a common destiny, the name is incorporated among many tribes in Ghana.

Ghanaian indigenes love this ancient delicacy at all levels and some foreigners.

The delicious meal is made from diced boiled yam, cocoyam, or cassava, onion, palm oil, tomato, garlic, ginger, dried fish, seasoning cube, and salt, all mixed in one pot and allowed to boil like preparing stew or soup.

This particular food has a pleasant smell due to the ingredients used in preparing it.

However, our old men and women will tell you that no one can eat a full meal bowl since a few dips satisfy one well despite its sumptuous taste.

How to prepare ‘Mpoto-Mpoto’

•  It would help if you peeled the yam, cocoyam, or cassava.
• Then cut it into small pieces and wash it thoroughly.
• Put the yam, cocoyam, or cassava in another saucepan, add water, and put it on fire.
• Then add the dried dish, seasoning cube, and salt to taste and cover to boil.
• Blend or grind the tomatoes, pepper, garlic, onion, ginger and add to the cocoyam mixture.
•  Allow to cook for about 20 minutes, leaving the saucepan uncovered to avoid it from overflowing.
• Taste for salt when the soup is ready.
•  Turn off the fire, and scoop some of the soup into a separate bowl.
• Use a potato masher or wooden ladle to mash the cocoyam in the pan.
• Heat the palm oil and a little chopped onion for flavor and pour them into the mashed cocoyam.
• Stir and allow to simmer for a couple of minutes.
• Then you are good to go you can serve your delicious ‘Mpoto-Mpoto’.

‘Mpoto-Mpoto’ contains Vitamin A, tocopherol, and tocotrienol antioxidants which protect from free radical injury to brain cells.

You can always make this finger-licking meal at home and enjoy it with your family.

Which is your favorite; yam pottage, cocoyam pottage, or cassava pottage?