How to make “Efo riro”

Efo riro is a name derived from Yoruba language which means “Leafy vegetable mixed together” but in this case the vegetable is mixed with rich pepper sauce.

It is a Nigerian meal that is mostly eaten in the South western part of Nigeria in the Yoruba culture. This favourite Nigerian soup have a lot of health benefits because of the rich ingredients embedded in it. The name ‘efo’ means vegetable in Yoruba language, hence it is a rich traditional Yoruba vegetable soup.

This beautiful and delicious delicacy is prepared with assorted meat, fish, large quantity of green vegetables (spinach) and peppers. This is one of the most served dish in every Nigerian home. This spicy ,savory soup can be accompanied with Amala, Elubo, Pounded yams, Fufu (akpu), Eba or Tuwo Shinkafa and also go well with boiled Rice, plantains or yams.

Here is an easy way of preparing Efo riro

Ingredients

2 bunches of Spinach or any vegetables of your choice
3 medium /2 big size bell peppers (Tatashe)
11/2 scotch bonnet (Rodo)
1/2 cup Palm Oil
11/2 medium size red onions
Washed and boiled assorted meats of your choice (Shaki, Kpomo, cow leg, smoked turkey or beef are ideal)
Dried stockfish (Panla)
Smoked cat fish
1 tablespoon Locust beans (Iru)
2 seasoning cube
3 tablespoons ground Crayfish
Salt to taste

Procedure

1. Wash the spinach leaves till it is clean then cut it to small pieces and set aside
2. Wash your tatashe, rodo pepper and onion with little water then grind it in a blender. Set aside if you have gotten your desired texture
3. Rinse your clean pot and put the pot on fire. heat till it is dry
4. Add your oil when it is dried and leave it for a little while for it to heat up
5. Add your blended pepper, assorted meat, iru, stock ( if available ), salt, stock fish and seasoning cube. then leave to simmer and fry for 5 minutes
6. Occupationally check the sauce and stir if necessary to avoid burning.
7. Add your vegetable to the pepper sauce then stir together and leave to simmer for 2 minutes.
8. After it is cooked for a little while, set aside and serve.

Efo riro is ready and can be eaten on its own or can be best accompanied with eba, fufu, pounded yam, tuwo and any swallowed of your choice