BAESHA
Spinach Soup
Spinach Soup
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Nigerian Spinach Stew (Efo Riro)
Efo Riro is a delicious Nigerian spinach stew made with a rich base of peppers, tomatoes, and onions, often paired with meats and dried fish. It’s a popular dish among the Yoruba people and is traditionally served with rice, yam, or swallow foods like pounded yam or eba.
Ingredients
Protein:
• 500g beef or goat meat, washed and cut into pieces
• 1 cup smoked fish or stockfish, cleaned and deboned
• 1 cup assorted meat (optional: tripe, cow skin, or offal)
• 1/2 cup crayfish (ground)
• 2 medium-sized stock cubes
• Salt, to taste
Vegetables:
• 500g fresh spinach or ugwu (pumpkin leaves), washed and chopped
• 2 medium onions (1 chopped, 1 blended)
• 2-3 fresh Scotch bonnet peppers (or to taste)
• 4 medium fresh tomatoes
• 2 large red bell peppers (tatashe)
Other Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup palm oil
• 1 tsp ground pepper (optional)
• 1/2 tsp locust beans (iru)
• Water, as needed
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat:
• Season the beef and assorted meats with salt, stock cubes, and half of the chopped onions.
• Add a small amount of water and cook until tender. Reserve the stock.
2. Prepare the Pepper Mix:
• Blend the fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, and the remaining onion into a smooth paste.
3. Cook the Pepper Sauce:
• Heat the palm oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the blended pepper mix and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil floats to the top.
4. Add Seasoning and Protein:
• Stir in the locust beans (iru), ground crayfish, and ground pepper (if using).
• Add the cooked meat, smoked fish, and the reserved stock. Mix well and let simmer for another 10 minutes.
5. Add the Spinach:
• Stir in the chopped spinach or ugwu leaves. Reduce the heat and let the spinach cook for 3-5 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and stock cubes as needed.
6. Serve:
• Serve your Efo Riro hot with rice, boiled yam, or swallow foods like pounded yam, amala, or eba.
Tips:
• If using frozen spinach, thaw it first and squeeze out excess water to avoid diluting the stew.
• Add smoked or dried prawns for a deeper, traditional flavor.
• For a richer taste, allow the pepper sauce to cook thoroughly before adding the meat and vegetables.
Enjoy your delicious Efo Riro, a soulful and nutritious Nigerian spinach stew!
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