Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

Dive into the bold and vibrant flavors of Vegan Efo Riro, a plant-based twist on the classic Nigerian spinach stew. This hearty and nutritious recipe features tender spinach, earthy mushrooms, and a richly spiced tomato and bell pepper base infused with garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat from scotch bonnet pepper. Smoked paprika and a ground crayfish substitute uniquely replicate the traditional smoky essence, making it perfect for those seeking an authentic yet vegan-friendly option. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot stew is a testament to the depth of Nigerian cuisine and pairs beautifully with rice, fufu, or your favorite side dish. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with loved ones, this Vegan Efo Riro is as nourishing as it is flavorful.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams fresh spinach
• 2 medium red bell peppers
• 3 medium tomatoes
• 1 large onion
• 1 medium scotch bonnet pepper
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 inch ginger
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground crayfish substitute
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 200 grams mushrooms

Directions

Step 1

Begin by washing the spinach thoroughly and chop it coarsely. Set aside.

Step 2

In a blender, combine the red bell peppers, tomatoes, half of the onion, garlic cloves, scotch bonnet pepper, and ginger. Blend until smooth.

Step 3

Slice the remaining half of the onion finely and set aside.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Pour the blended pepper mixture into the pot and stir well. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces and thickens.

Step 6

Add the vegetable broth, smoked paprika, ground crayfish substitute, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Chop the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Stir well and let them cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to absorb the flavors.

Step 8

Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir thoroughly to incorporate. The spinach will wilt quickly, so only cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with rice, fufu, or your preferred side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1845.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	977.4

Total Fat 52.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 29.5g
Cholesterol 18mg	0%
Sodium 3648.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 101.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.1g	0%
Total Sugars 37.1g
Protein 35.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 661.0mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 3256.9mg	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: 46.4%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 39.7%