The perfect blend of spices makes for this easy delicious stew
If you’ve ever tried Nigerian stew, you know it’s more than just a sauce—it’s a rich, flavorful dish that perfectly balances heat, aroma, and depth. Nigerian stew, often tomato-based and spiced to perfection, is a culinary staple that can transform any meal. It’s commonly served with rice, yams, plantains, or even as a side to swallow foods like pounded yam or eba. Today, I’m thrilled to share my favorite recipe for preparing this delicious stew from scratch.
In Nigeria, stews can be made with beef, chicken, fish, cowhide or even oxtail. Many at times, people use a mix of everything. The richer a stew is, the more different meats will be, in the stew. At my home, my children prefer beef in the stew. This is because the beef is first seasoned, cooked and then fried. After frying, the beef is then made in the tomatoes and other ingredients. This method allows the taste of the stew to permeate the meat, making it very delicious.
Nigerian stew isn’t just a dish; it’s a connection to home, culture, and cherished memories. Growing up in Nigeria, the aroma of freshly made stew bubbling away in the kitchen was a staple in our household. It brought everyone together—whether it was for a Sunday lunch after church or a quick weekday dinner. Today, I bring this tradition to my Portuguese-Nigerian home, where this vibrant stew serves as a fusion of my roots and the life I’ve built in Portugal.
Cooking Nigerian stew for my family is more than just preparing a meal. It’s my way of passing down the flavors of my childhood to my three children, even while living far from home. Each time I make it, I’m reminded of the warm, bustling kitchen back in Aba, where my mom would expertly fry the tomatoes and peppers, filling the house with an irresistible aroma that meant we were in for something special.
Now, in my own kitchen in Cascais, the process feels like a journey back to my roots. My kids love it, especially when paired with fluffy white rice or fried plantains. Even my Portuguese husband, who is more familiar with bacalhau and other local dishes, has come to appreciate the spicy kick and richness of Nigerian stew.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine.
Easy Nigerian Stew
Ingredients
- Fresh Tomatoes - 6 to 8 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- Red Bell Peppers - 3 large, deseeded and chopped
- Guajilo Chili Pods (Tatashe) - 3 large, soaked in hot water and deseeded
- Scotch Bonnet Peppers - 1 or 2, depending on your spice tolerance
- Onions - 2 large (one for blending, one for frying)
- Tomato Paste - 1 to 2 tablespoons for added richness
- Vegetable Oil - 1/2 to 1 cup
- Chicken or Beef - 1 kg, preferably with bones for added flavor
- Stock Cubes - 1 or 2, to taste
- Thyme - 1 teaspoon
- Curry Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
- Ginger and Garlic - 1 tablespoon each, minced
Directions
- Step 1 Season the chicken or beef with salt, stock cubes, thyme, and half of the minced garlic and ginger. Add enough water to cover the meat, then cook on medium heat until tender. Once cooked, remove the meat from the broth (save the broth for the stew). Set the meat aside and pat it dry to prepare it for frying or grilling.
- Step 2 To give the stew an extra layer of flavor, you can fry or grill the meat. This step is optional but highly recommended. Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the meat until golden brown, or grill it in an oven until crispy on the outside. Set the meat aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Step 3 In a blender, combine the tomatoes, red bell peppers, Scotch bonnets, and one of the onions. Blend until smooth. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit of water to help it blend, but keep it as thick as possible for a richer stew.
- Step 4 In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the remaining onion, chopped, and fry until golden brown. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about a minute to release the flavors. Pour in the blended tomato and pepper mixture. Stir well, then add the tomato paste if you’re using it. Fry this mixture for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. You will know it is ready when the oil begins to separate from the tomato mixture.
- Step 5 Add curry powder, thyme, salt, and any additional stock cubes if needed. Pour in some of the reserved meat broth, stirring to create a rich, saucy consistency. Add the fried or grilled meat, ensuring it’s well-coated in the stew. Let it simmer on low heat for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 6 Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt or spices depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Nigerian stew is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some classic pairings:
- White Rice: This is a classic combination and the most common way to enjoy Nigerian stew.
- Black Eye Beans: This is one of the best combos. it is also a common roadside dish.
- Fried Plantains: Serve alongside rice and stew for a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors.
- Yam or Boiled Potatoes: The heartiness of yam or potatoes beautifully complements the richness of the stew.
- Bread: Dip fresh, crusty bread into the stew for a comforting meal or snack.
Tips for Making the Perfect Nigerian Stew
- Control the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spicy food, start with half a Scotch bonnet pepper or use a milder variety.
- Simmering Time: The longer you let the stew simmer, the richer the flavors will be. Don’t rush the frying process, as it’s key to developing depth.
- Oil Separation: While frying, wait until the oil separates from the tomato mixture, as this indicates the raw flavors have cooked out.
- Customize the Protein: Feel free to substitute chicken or beef with goat meat, turkey, or even fish for a different taste.
Final Thoughts
Nigerian stew is a deeply satisfying dish that’s both comforting and versatile. This recipe captures the essence of Nigerian cooking and will surely add warmth and flavor to your meal. Once you’ve mastered the basics, don’t be afraid to add your own twist—culinary creativity is what makes each stew unique! Enjoy this delightful stew with your favorite sides and share the love of Nigerian cuisine with friends and family.
Happy cooking, and remember: the key to a delicious stew is patience, quality ingredients, and a generous dose of love!
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow heroes and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest! Tag me @simplyoby so I can see your kitchen magic! Subscribe to my newsletter and YouTube Channel for more quality content from me ✨
Happy (and healthy) eating!
You can find the video of this delicious recipe here. Happy viewing!
Discover more from Simply Oby
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
