Soy-Free Ayamase (Green Pepper Stew)

Dive into the vibrant, flavorful world of West African cuisine with this Soy-Free Ayamase (Green Pepper Stew) recipe, a luscious reinterpretation of the classic Nigerian delicacy. This rich and aromatic stew combines the earthiness of green bell peppers and fresh spinach with the fiery kick of habanero peppers, creating a bold, well-rounded base. Enhanced with umami-packed dried fish, ground crayfish, and tender assorted meats like beef, goat, or chicken, the dish boasts layers of deep, satisfying flavors. Cooked in fragrant, translucent palm oil and seasoned to perfection, this soy-free version offers all the authentic essence of Ayamase without soy-based ingredients. Simple yet indulgent, it’s perfect to pair with rice, boiled yams, or plantains, making it an irresistible choice for anyone craving a hearty, traditional African meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 large Green bell peppers
• 3 pieces Habanero peppers
• 2 medium Red onion
• 1 cup Fresh spinach leaves
• 500 grams Cooked assorted meats (beef, goat, or chicken)
• 250 ml Palm oil
• 100 grams Dried fish
• 2 tablespoons Ground crayfish
• 2 cubes Seasoning cubes
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 250 ml Water

Directions

Step 1

Begin by washing and roughly chopping the green bell peppers, habanero peppers, and one of the red onions. Reserve the second onion for later use.

Step 2

Place the chopped peppers and spinach leaves in a blender and blend until smooth. Set the mixture aside.

Step 3

Slice the remaining red onion and set it aside as well.

Step 4

In a large saucepan, heat the palm oil over medium heat until it becomes translucent. This process is known as bleaching the oil. Be careful to keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the oil.

Step 5

Add the sliced onions to the bleached oil and fry until golden brown.

Step 6

Pour the blended pepper and spinach mixture into the pot with the onions. Stir and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Add the cooked assorted meats, ensuring they are pre-seasoned or boiled to taste.

Step 8

Include the dried fish, ensuring it has been washed and deboned, along with the ground crayfish. Stir well.

Step 9

Crumble in the seasoning cubes and add salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 10

Pour in the water and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew cook for another 30-40 minutes or until the oil begins to rise to the top and the stew thickens to your liking.

Step 11

Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Serve hot with rice, boiled yams, or plantains.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2194.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3913.9

Total Fat 308.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 138.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 633.0mg	0%
Sodium 10050.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 66.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.8g	0%
Total Sugars 30.2g
Protein 224.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 458.2mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 3512.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.4%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 6.7%