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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
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FOOD PROVERBS

Efo Riro Stew

Efo Riro is a traditional stew of the Yoruba Tribe made with green leafy Amaranth leaves and a variety of meats.
Efo Riro Stew, Every African food recipe has a story


What is Efo Riro Stew? Efo Riro is a rich throw everything in the pot meat and vegetable stew that is native to the Yorubas of Western Nigeria. The traditional vegetables used to make the stew are Amaranth leaves, but if these are not readily available where you live, fresh spinach is a good substitute.

Yoruba Efo Riro Stew Ingredients and Directions

Ingredients
1/2 pound medium cut beef chunks
1/4 cup palm oil
3 handfuls Amaranth leaves or spinach
1 medium red pepper, diced
2 tablespoons ground shrimp
2 medium onions, sliced
2 tablespoons locust beans
2 medium Irish potatoes, diced
1 hot pepper finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups vegetable stock

Directions
In a large lidded pot add beef, onions and palm oil and brown over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add stock, hot pepper and salt. Cover, cook for 20 minutes then add potatoes, cover cook an additional 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, cover cook 10 minutes. Serve with fufu or white rice.

What is Locust bean? Locust bean, commonly referred to as iru by Yorubas, is a seasoning used in soups and stews.

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She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

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thank you.

African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.