Efo Riro: The Yoruba Vegetable Stew You Need in Your Life
Efo Riro: The Yoruba Vegetable Stew You Need in Your Life
Efo riro translates roughly as 'well-stirred leafy soup' — and that name undersells it catastrophically. This is a deeply aromatic, palm oil-rich vegetable stew that is simultaneously bold and refined. It is what Yoruba cooking does at its absolute peak: maximum flavour, minimum pretension.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 700g ugu leaves or fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 200ml red palm oil
- 3 tbsp dried crayfish
- Locust beans (iru), stockfish, smoked fish
- Assorted meat — shaki and beef
- 3 Jumbo cubes, scotch bonnets, onions, salt
Method
1. The Aromatic Base
Fry blended peppers and onions in palm oil on high heat for 20–25 minutes until darkened and oil floats on top. Do not rush this step. It is where the flavour is built.
2. Add Everything Except the Leaves
Add crayfish, locust beans, stockfish, smoked fish, cooked meat and all seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes. The stew should be intensely flavoured before the leaves enter.
3. Leaves Last — 5 Minutes Maximum
Add leaves, fold in, cook 5 minutes. Colour must stay vibrant. Serve with pounded yam or Semovita.
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