Efo Riro is a beloved Nigerian spinach stew known for its rich, flavorful, and spicy taste. Traditionally prepared with goat meat, this versatile dish can be adapted with any type of meat or made vegetarian by using mushrooms and spinach as the main ingredients. The combination of palm oil, peppers, and ground crayfish gives Efo Riro its signature savory depth, while the spinach adds a nutritious touch. Whether served with rice, pounded yam, or fufu, this delicious stew is a staple in Nigerian cuisine and perfect for a hearty meal full of bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups spinach, chopped
- 12 oz cooked meat (traditionally goat meat, but any meat can be used)
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup palm oil
- 2 plum tomatoes (Roma tomatoes)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 habanero pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- ¼ cup water or stock (optional, depending on desired consistency)
- 2 teaspoons bouillon powder
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground crayfish
- 1 teaspoon pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pepper Sauce
- In a blender, combine the plum tomatoes, red bell pepper, habanero pepper, and half of the chopped onion. Blend until smooth.
- In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Pour the blended pepper mixture into the pot. Stir and cook on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Mushrooms
- If using cooked meat, add it to the pot along with the mushrooms. Stir well to ensure the meat and mushrooms are fully coated in the sauce.
- Add the bouillon powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and ground crayfish to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the stew becomes too thick, add the optional water or stock to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 3: Add the Spinach
- Gradually stir in the chopped spinach, a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt and blend into the stew.
- Add salt and pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Simmer the stew for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the spinach is fully incorporated and tender.
- Once the spinach is cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove the stew from the heat.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve your Efo Riro hot with rice, pounded yam, fufu, or any side of your choice.
- Enjoy the bold, hearty flavors of this Nigerian classic!
Conclusion:
Efo Riro is a rich, savory spinach stew that packs a flavorful punch with a blend of peppers, crayfish, and spices. This comforting Nigerian dish can be customized with your choice of meat or enjoyed as a vegetarian option with mushrooms. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and its vibrant taste is sure to leave an impression. Serve it with your favorite Nigerian sides for a truly authentic meal experience.
Efo Riro – A Flavorful Nigerian Spinach Stew
Ingredients
- 8 cups spinach chopped
- 12 oz cooked meat traditionally goat meat, but any meat can be used
- 2 cups mushrooms sliced
- ½ cup palm oil
- 2 plum tomatoes Roma tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 habanero pepper
- 1 onion chopped
- ¼ cup water or stock optional, depending on desired consistency
- 2 teaspoons bouillon powder
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground crayfish
- 1 teaspoon pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Pepper Sauce
- In a blender, combine the plum tomatoes, red bell pepper, habanero pepper, and half of the chopped onion. Blend until smooth.
- In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Pour the blended pepper mixture into the pot. Stir and cook on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop.
- Step 2: Cook the Meat and Mushrooms
- If using cooked meat, add it to the pot along with the mushrooms. Stir well to ensure the meat and mushrooms are fully coated in the sauce.
- Add the bouillon powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and ground crayfish to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the stew becomes too thick, add the optional water or stock to achieve your desired consistency.
- Step 3: Add the Spinach
- Gradually stir in the chopped spinach, a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt and blend into the stew.
- Add salt and pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Simmer the stew for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the spinach is fully incorporated and tender.
- Once the spinach is cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove the stew from the heat.
- Step 4: Serve
- Serve your Efo Riro hot with rice, pounded yam, fufu, or any side of your choice.
- Enjoy the bold, hearty flavors of this Nigerian classic!