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Efo Riro

A rich, spicy, and comforting spinach stew made with peppers, onions, meats or fish, and palm oil. This beloved Nigerian dish is perfect with rice, pounded yam, or eba.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: African

Ingredients
  

  • lbs Fresh spinach (or 500g frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
  • 3 Red bell peppers
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 2 Medium onions (divided)
  • ½ cup Palm oil
  • 1 lb Assorted meat (beef, goat, or chicken), pre-boiled
  • 1 tbsp Ground crayfish (optional)
  • 2 Cubes or 2 teaspoons bouillon powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup Meat broth or water

Method
 

  1. Blend the bell peppers, one onion, and scotch bonnet until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Chop the second onion and sauté in palm oil over medium heat until translucent.
  3. Add the blended pepper mixture and fry for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until it reduces and the oil separates.
  4. Stir in the cooked meat, crayfish, seasoning cubes, and a splash of broth. Simmer for 10 more minutes.
  5. Add the spinach and cook for another 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens and flavors combine.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with rice, eba, or pounded yam