Efo Riro is a traditional Yoruba (ethnic group in Nigeria) spinach stew. It is normally cooked with meat or fish, but vegetarian versions are also common at home.It is rich, spicy and eaten with rice or boiled yam.
😌 Difficulty: Easy
⏱️ Preparation time: 20 min
🔥 Cooking time: 25 min
⏳ Total time: 45 min
👥 Servings: 3
Ingredients
- 400 g fresh spinach
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp palm oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Typical side:
- White rice or boiled yam
Instructions
- Blend tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion and garlic until smooth.
- Heat palm oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Pour blended mixture into the pot and cook 10-12 minutes until thickened.
- Add thyme, salt, pepper and chili flakes. Stir well.
- Wash spinach and chop roughly.
- Add spinach to the sauce and cook 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir gently and cook until liquid reduces slightly.
Serve hot with white rice or boiled yam.
SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡
Palm oil gives the authentic Nigerian flavor and orange color. If using vegetable oil, the taste will be lighter.