Founded in 2007: Find Answers in 2,000+ Posts

Efo Riro Stew of Western Nigeria

Efo Riro Stew

Efo Riro is a traditional stew of the Yoruba Tribe made with green leafy Amaranth leaves and a variety of meats.
Efo Riro Stew, Every African food recipe has a story


What is Efo Riro Stew? Efo Riro is a rich throw everything in the pot meat and vegetable stew that is native to the Yorubas of Western Nigeria. The traditional vegetables used to make the stew are Amaranth leaves, but if these are not readily available where you live, fresh spinach is a good substitute.

Yoruba Efo Riro Stew Ingredients and Directions

Ingredients
1/2 pound medium cut beef chunks
1/4 cup palm oil
3 handfuls Amaranth leaves or spinach
1 medium red pepper, diced
2 tablespoons ground shrimp
2 medium onions, sliced
2 tablespoons locust beans
2 medium Irish potatoes, diced
1 hot pepper finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups vegetable stock

Directions
In a large lidded pot add beef, onions and palm oil and brown over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add stock, hot pepper and salt. Cover, cook for 20 minutes then add potatoes, cover cook an additional 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, cover cook 10 minutes. Serve with fufu or white rice.

What is Locust bean? Locust bean, commonly referred to as iru by Yorubas, is a seasoning used in soups and stews.

Chic African Culture The African Gourmet Logo

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Where to Witness the Greatest Butterfly Shows in Africa

Image
Where to Witness the Greatest Butterfly Shows in Africa Hey there, fellow nature lovers! If you're a butterfly enthusiast like me, you know how amazing it feels to spot a rare species fluttering by. Now, imagine experiencing that magic in Africa—a continent so rich in biodiversity that it's a true butterfly watcher's paradise. Whether you're planning your next adventure or just curious about where to see the most fascinating butterflies, I've got you covered. Let's take a quick journey through some of the best butterfly watching spots in Africa! Explore Hidden Rainforests, Mountain Slopes, and Coastal Havens Africa is home to some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems, perfect for butterfly watching. Picture yourself wandering through hidden rainforests, trekking up mountain slopes, or exploring coastal havens. These areas are teeming with vibrant butterfly species, each with its own beautiful colors and fascinating patterns. Like the Emperor Swallowtail...
Learn More Now

The Chimpanzee Who Envied the Monkey

Image
Koko, the most jovial chimpanzee in the jungle, had a secret: he desperately wished for a tail. African Folktale Story: The Chimpanzee Who Envied the Monkey In a tree-lined forest filled with the greenery of dense fruit trees, lived a chimpanzee named Koko. Koko was a jovial soul, swinging through the emerald canopy and sharing juicy mangoes with his troop. However, a single thought constantly nagged at him: the lack of a tail. He'd watch the monkeys gracefully swing from branch to branch, their tails acting like extra limbs, and sigh deeply. "Oh, to have a tail like theirs!" he'd lament, "I could swing so much faster, reach those delectable fruits higher up, and even hang upside down for pure fun!" One day, while observing a particularly agile monkey, Koko decided enough was enough. He would find a way to acquire a tail! He embarked on a jungle-wide quest, asking every animal if they could spare a piece of their appendage. The giraffe politely declined, ...
Learn More Now

The Animal That Rules Each African Nation

Image
The Most Common Animal You'll Find in Each African Country Take a journey through Africa with a simple guide to the amazing animals found in each country. Learn about the different kinds of wildlife that live there and the natural environments that help them thrive. From the giant elephants in Botswana, and the Nile tilapia in Egypt to the lively chimpanzees in Uganda, discover the interesting stories and traits of some of Africa’s most common animals.  Discover the most abundant animal in every African nation Nigeria - Chimpanzee: The Chimpanzee is Nigeria's most populous animal, a highly intelligent primate closely related to humans. They are known for their complex social structures, tool use, and impressive communication skills. Ethiopia - Cattle: Ethiopia has a large cattle population due to its agrarian economy and the cultural significance of livestock. South Africa - Impala: These antelopes are widespread across South Africa's savannas and are highly adaptable to v...
Learn More Now

How Crocodiles Keep Their Teeth Clean: Nature's Dental Care

Image
Nature’s Dentists: Crocodiles and Their Toothbrushes Crocodiles don't actually brush their teeth in the same way humans do. Imagine a crocodile brushing his teeth in the mirror before school! So while you won't see a crocodile brushing its teeth with a toothbrush, they have some pretty effective natural methods for keeping their mouths clean and healthy. Crocodile Dental Care: Shedding, Submerging, and Symbiosis Crocodiles, despite their fearsome reputation, don't rely on toothbrushes and toothpaste. These formidable reptiles have evolved unique strategies for maintaining oral hygiene. Through a combination of natural processes like shedding old teeth and regrowing new ones, submerging themselves in water to wash away food particles, and even forming symbiotic relationships with birds that clean their teeth, crocodiles demonstrate fascinating adaptations for oral care in the wild. A Toothsome Tale: How Crocodiles Avoid Cavities Here’s how they keep their mouths clean: Water...
Learn More Now

African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions