Efo Riro

Efo Riro is a rich, spicy Nigerian vegetable soup made primarily with leafy greens cooked in a flavorful tomato and pepper stew. The name comes from the Yoruba language — “efo” meaning vegetables and “riro” meaning stirred or mixed. It’s a staple dish in southwestern Nigeria and is deeply rooted in Yoruba cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1kg assorted meat
• 2 bunches ugwu or kale (washed and chopped)
• 1/2 cup palm oil
• 2 onions
• 2-3 tomatoes
• 2 bell pepper
• 2 scotch bonnet
• 3 tablespoons iru (washed )
• 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
• 4 seasoning cubes

Directions

1. In a medium pot add washed meat and season with salt, sliced onions, 2 seasoning cubes and water
2. and allow to cook for 30 - 40 minutes until meat is tender.
3. Blend tomatoes, bell pepper, scotch bonnet with a little water into a chunky paste.
4. In a medium sized pan heat palm oil and sauté iru until fragrant. Pour in the blended pepper mix and
5. allow to cook for 10 minutes while occasionally stirring.
6. Add cooked meat with stock and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, season with crayfish, salt and seasoning
7. cubes and let simmer till the oil floats on the surface.
8. Stir in washed ugwu/kale mix well and let simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
9. Serve with white rice or pounded yam.