West African Sweet Potato Pottage

West African Sweet Potato Pottage recipe videos

West African Sweet Potato Pottage, often called 'Sweet Potato Stew' or 'Yam Pottage' (though made with sweet potatoes), is a hearty, one-pot dish popular across Nigeria, Ghana, and other West African countries. It typically features cubed sweet potatoes simmered in a rich, savory broth with tomatoes, onions, palm oil or vegetable oil, and often includes leafy greens like spinach or bitter leaf, along with optional proteins such as fish, chicken, or beans.

🍳 View the full West African Sweet Potato Pottage recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes, providing a good source of fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. Depending on the oil and protein additions, it can have moderate fat content, with a typical serving ranging from 300 to 450 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	250 kcal
Protein	4.5 g
Carbs	42 g
Fat	7.5 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	350 mg
Vitamin A	18000 IU
Vitamin C	35 mg
Potassium	650 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	80 mg
Magnesium	50 mg
Phosphorus	90 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a versatile comfort food often served during family meals or celebrations, reflecting the West African emphasis on communal eating and resourceful cooking. Nutritionally, the sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness that balances the savory spices, making it a wholesome, plant-forward option that's both satisfying and nutrient-dense.