Authentic Nigerian Efo Riro Recipe: A Delicious Spinach Stew Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Spinach
  • 1 cup Palm Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Crayfish
  • 2 cups Stockfish
  • 500 g Beef
  • 2 cups Smoked Fish, deboned
  • 2 cups Cow Skin (Pomo)
  • 1 cup Shrimps
  • 2 Scotch Bonnet peppers
  • 2 Bell peppers
  • 1 large Onion
  • 2 tablespoons Locust Beans (Iru/Ogiri)
  • 3 Maggi Cubes (seasoning)
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the beef and stockfish with warm water.
  2. Place the washed beef and stockfish in a large pot, add seasoning and salt, then boil for 20 minutes.
  3. Add the deboned smoked fish and cow skin to the pot and cook till all the meat is well done.
  4. Blend the scotch bonnet peppers and bell peppers together. Chop the onion.
  5. Heat the palm oil in a different pot, add the chopped onions and stir-fry for a few minutes.
  6. Add the blended pepper mix, crayfish, and locust beans to the pot. Leave it to simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Add the boiled meat and stock along with the shrimps into the pot and stir. Leave it to cook for another 10 minutes.
  8. Wash the spinach thoroughly, ensure there is no sand left. Then, chop the spinach.
  9. Add the chopped spinach to the pot, stir and leave to simmer for just 3-5 minutes. Overcooking the spinach can make it lose its nutritional value.
  10. Your Efo Riro is ready. It can be served with rice, yam or any choice of swallow.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different leafy greens such as kale or collard greens instead of spinach.
  • Replace palm oil with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a different flavor.
  • Add different vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans for extra texture and flavor.
  • Include your choice of protein such as chicken, turkey, or tofu instead of beef.
  • Experiment with different spices and seasonings like curry powder, thyme, or ginger to customize the flavor.
  • Add a dash of coconut milk for a creamy twist.
  • For a spicier kick, include more scotch bonnet peppers or add chili flakes.
  • Try using smoked turkey or smoked fish instead of smoked fish.
  • Include diced tomatoes for a richer and slightly tangy taste.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the quantity of vegetables and protein alternatives like mushrooms or plant-based protein.

Recipe overview

Efo Riro is a rich vegetable soup that originates from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. It is packed with an assortment of meats, fish and a generous amount of leafy spinach. This soup is very nutritious because it is made from fresh leafy vegetables, assorted meat, and fish. It is quite popular for its unique taste and nutritional value. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious dish, from the preparation of the ingredients to the cooking process. The ingredients list includes staple items in Nigerian cuisine such as palm oil, crayfish, locust beans, and a variety of proteins. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring that you can prepare this wholesome dish in your own home. You can serve Efo Riro with rice, yam or a choice of swallow such as fufu, pounded yam or eba. Expect a delightfully colourful dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, with flavors that are robust and satisfying. Whether you're making this for a regular family meal or a special gathering, Efo Riro is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process of preparing this vibrant and flavorful dish, and even more, the satisfying meal you'll have at the end.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
  2. Yes, you can use frozen spinach as a substitute for fresh spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before adding it to the pot.
  3. Can I substitute palm oil with another type of oil?
  4. Palm oil is traditionally used in Efo Riro for its distinct flavor. However, if you can't find palm oil, you can use other types of oil like vegetable oil, but it will alter the authentic taste of the dish.
  5. Can I omit the locust beans (Iru/Ogiri) from the recipe?
  6. Yes, you can omit locust beans if you don't have them or prefer not to use them. They add a unique flavor to the dish, but it will still taste delicious without them.
  7. Can I use different types of meat?
  8. Absolutely! You can use different meats like chicken, goat meat, or turkey instead of beef. The choice of meat can be adjusted to your preference.
  9. Can I add other vegetables to the Efo Riro?
  10. Yes, you can add other vegetables like kale, collard greens, or even pumpkin leaves (ugu) to the Efo Riro. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain the texture of the vegetables.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - Needed to cook the meat, stockfish, and other ingredients.
  • Blender - Used to blend the scotch bonnet peppers and bell peppers.
  • Chopping Board - Used to chop the onions and debone the smoked fish if necessary.
  • Knife - Used for chopping the onions and deboning the smoked fish if necessary.
  • Cooking Spoon - Essential for stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups - Used to measure the palm oil, crayfish, and other ingredients.
  • Strainer - Used to wash the spinach and ensure there is no sand or dirt left.
  • Serving Bowls - Required for serving the cooked Efo Riro.

Origin stories

Efo Riro is a rich vegetable soup that is native to the Yorubas, a tribe in the Southwestern part of Nigeria. It is a meal that showcases the rich heritage of the Yoruba people. The name 'Efo' means vegetables, hence it is a Yoruba rich vegetable soup. It is quite similar to the popular Calabar Edikang Ikong soup but with slight differences in preparation. Efo Riro requires a lot of patience and ingredients to prepare, and due to its richness, it is usually reserved for special occasions amongst Yoruba families. But whether savored at a grand party or enjoyed at a family meal, one thing is certain about Efo Riro: its delightful taste always leaves a lasting memory of culinary excellence.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.