EFO RIRO: more than vegetables.

The food "efo riro" is a delicacy from the people of the south west of Nigeria, the Yorubas. But as with every food that was indegenous to a particular set of people, this delicacy is now commonly eaten and widely prepared by different people in different part of the world.

It is no surprise that this food is now popular, considering how rich it is in nutrients. It is a food that is abundantly enriched with all the classes of food.

Even when it comes to loosing weight, and being fit, Efo Riro is your sure bet to staying fit.

Another interesting fact about this meal, is that it can be eaten with rice, yam, potatoes, beans and any other staple food. The key is to allow one's self to experiment and try different combination.

FIRST:
set out your ingredients
1 cup of palm oil
50g of spinach
Small jar of Oavalze tomatoes paste.( use the peppery flavor, as you'll need pepper)
1 big sized onion
2 seasoning cubes
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1kg of beef/ chicken/ goat meat or Fish
1cup of crayfish
2big sized dried fish, ( smoked catfish)
1large sized stock fish.
Locust beans (iru/dadawa)
Kpomo(locally prepared cow skin)

Preparation:
*pound crayfish
*slice spinash
*dice onions
*unwrap seasoning cubes
*open jar of tomatoes
*dice kpomo (wash first)
*wash locust beans
*wash meat, dried fish and stock fish

Then:
*Boil the meat with stock fish and dried fish, with salt and seasoning cubes.
Cook until meat is tender. Once that is done, set aside with the broth.

*put a dried pot on fire, and pour in your oil

When oil is hot enough, put in diced onions and crayfish. Stir for sometimes, then put in your OAVALZE tomatoes paste and then stir.

* allow to simmer for a while, then pour in your broth, meat and all.

*cover the pot, and allow for 1minute.

Now,
 while your broth and all are in there, put a kettle of water on fire. Once it  is boiled, turn into a bowl and throw in your fresh spinash.

Squeeze until juice is let out, and spinash is somewhat dry.

Then
*pour it into your already boiling stew on fire.
*put in the locust beans and stir.
*allow to boil for 15 seconds.

Efo Riro  is ready.

Serve with any staple dish of your choice.

I hope you enjoy your meal.

                                Written by Mary-Jane