Efo Riro – Kale Efo Riro
Kale Efo Riro is simply Efo Riro, the popular Nigerian vegetable soup made with Kale leaves as its main vegetable leaves.
I already have a published recipe for Efo Riro on the blog (Click HERE to view it) so this is actually an updated version. You do not have to use just Kale leaves for this recipe, traditional leaves such as Ugu, Shoko, Tete and Spinach can also be used.
Ingredients:
400g Kale Leaves , Washed and Chopped
4 Red Bell Peppers (Tatatshe)
2-3 Scotch Bonnet (Ata rodo)
1/2 Cup Palm oil
1 Cup Meat or Chicken Stock
2 Medium Size Red Onions
1kg Boiled Assorted Meats of your choice (Shaki, Kpomo, cow leg, smoked turkey or beef are ideal)
Dried Stockfish, Shredded (panla)
Smoked Cat fish, Shredded
3 Tablespoons Locust beans (Iru)
1/2 Cup Raw/Smoked Prawns(optional)
2 Knorr Cubes
3 Tablespoons Ground Crayfish
Salt to taste
Preparation:
Blend the Scotch bonnets, Bell peppers and an Onion coarsely and set aside then chop the second Onion and set aside.
Place a medium size pot on medium heat. Add the Palm oil, leave to heat up for 2 minutes then add the Chopped onions, sauté till fragrant. Then add the Locust Beans, fry to release the flavour for another minute…
Then add half of the Crayfish, fry for a minute…
Now add the blended Pepper, two Knorr cubes and Salt to taste, leave to boil for 15-20 minutes thereabouts or until the pepper dries out and the size reduces by almost half..
The pepper at this time needs to be a thickish consistency and the oil should have settled on the top…
If the consistency is too thick, add a bit of the meat stock/ chicken stock, if you haven’t got stock, just add water, be careful not to add too much. Just one cup should do.
If you added Stock, allow to boil for 2-3 minutes to combine, then add the assorted meats, stir and combine. Leave to cook for 8-10 minutes…
Then add the Prawns, the rest of the Crayfish, shredded Stockfish and Smoked Catfish…
Combine and taste, adjust seasoning if required. Leave to cook for a further 5 minutes…
Now add the Chopped Kale leaves, combine thoroughly. Leave to cook for 5 minutes…
Switch off the heat at this time, then leave to simmer with the residual heat for a further 2 minutes. Your Kale Efo Riro is ready…
Enjoy with your favourite “Swallow”, Rice, Plantain or any other food you prefer…
