Spinach Stew: Nigerian Efo Riro

 EFO RIRO - SPINACH STEW

Efo riro is derived from the Yoruba language  in Nigeria, EFO means "Green leafy vegetable" or spinach  and RIRO means "to stir". Efo riro is a one pot stew with layers of flavour , it requires  quite a number of ingredients .

A fermented traditional  condiment called IRU(locusts  bean) is usually  added to the stew which  adds a wonderful  depth of flavour to the stew and it is very healthy.

Efo riro give numerous health  advantages , it is  consist of essential  vitamins , minerals and dietary  fibre  that are beneficial to the body.

INGREDIENT FOR EFO RIRO

1. Efo( spinach leaf)

1. Crayfish 
2. Pepper ( bonnet , red bell pepper and onions)
3. palm oil 
4. Iru ( locust bean)
5. smoked fish, meat, cow skin, snail and any protein of your choice

TO MAKE A DELICIOUS EFO RIRO

Get all your ingredients ready: The  smoke fish, boiled meat, cow meat( ponmo), smoked turkey, snail  and any other protein of your choice.

• Heat up the oil: it is necessary  to the heat up the oil and not bleach the oil, so simply add onions  and to give the oil flavour , do this  for about  40- 60 sec.

• Add protein: Add all the protein to the oil to fry for a 1- 2min and take it out of the oil.

• Add the Iru: after you take out the the protein add the iru to the palm oil and let it fry.

• Fry the blended pepper: The pepper needs to be properly  fried until the water in the sauce evaporate and the sauce is reduce, always pay attention to the sauce so it wont get burnt. and add all the protein  back into the stew.

• Add season  and spinach: the sauce must be season at this point with the local condiment , add crayfish and seasoning  and let it cook and go in with your rinsed spinach  and stir . Let this cook for a some seconds and it is ready.

Efo riro can be served with Pounded yam, Amala, Yam,Rice, Boiled  plantains  and water.

If you will be try this recipe .... let me know at the comment section 

Enjoy