West Africa · Soup
Efo Riro (Yoruba Rich Vegetable Stew)
Vibrant, savory stew of blanched greens, smoked fish, and tender meats folded into a spicy, locust-bean-infused pepper base.
The story
Efo Riro literally translates from Yoruba as 'stirred leafy greens'. Unlike wet soups, an authentic Efo Riro is a rich, thick, oil-based stew where water is strictly minimized to prevent soggy vegetables. The distinct punch comes from iru woro (whole fermented locust beans) and coarse crushed peppers, marrying tender amaranth or shoko leaves with assortment of smoked fish and offal.
Cook this next
Egusi Soup (Nigerian Melon Seed Stew)
Rich, nutty ground melon seed soup simmered with leafy greens, smoked catfish, and aromatic palm oil.
Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam (Ofe Egusi & Iyan)
Rich ground melon seed soup studded with tender meats and leafy greens, paired with smooth, stretchy pounded white yam.
Suya (Hausa Spiced Grilled Beef Skewers)
Paper-thin slices of skewered beef coated in fiery, nutty Yaji pepper spice and char-grilled over smoky open flames.
Nigerian Asun (Spicy Smoked Goat Meat)
A fiery, aromatic Nigerian street food specialty made of tender roasted goat meat cut into bite-sized pieces and tossed in a coarse, fragrant blend of scotch bonnet peppers, onions, and spices.