Surviving tomato scarcity: 7 Nigerian stews to keep you going

News360 Nigeria highlights in this article, seven Nigerian stews that can be replaced with tomato stews in 2024.

In Nigeria, tomatoes are a very versatile food item. They are a major staple food and are adored by many Nigerians who are ardent stew eaters.

Almost every family in Nigeria uses tomatoes or peppers in their cooking, so any harm done to them will have an impact on most families.

However, the cost of tomatoes has recently skyrocketed in the nation, forcing many Nigerians to look for substitute sauces to go with their regular meals.

As a result, here is a list of seven affordable and healthy locally sourced stews, gravies and sauces that do not require tomatoes.

These delicacies have been around for as long as people have been cooking them, but not everyone is aware of them.

1. Pumpkin Leaf Sauce

Pumpkin leaves, known as Ugu or ikóñ locally, are used in many Nigerian recipes.

The flavorful and healthful Pumpkin Leaf Sauce is made from sautéing onions and fluted pumpkin leaves.

This sauce can be quickly made with chopped pumpkin leaves, meat stock, chili pepper, onions, chopped pumpkin leaves, and salt to taste. Seasoned beef or chicken is optional.

2. Garden Egg Sauce

Garden Egg Sauce is a popular dish in southern Nigeria and a great alternative to tomato stew.

Garden eggs (purple aubergine, white, or green), palm oil, smoked fish, ground pepper (scotch bonnet or chili), rinsed iru, onions, crayfish, and salt to taste are all necessary ingredients.

This adaptable sauce is a great alternative to tomato stew and goes well with rice, yam, or plantain.

3. Ofada stew

Often served with Ofada rice, a unique local variety, Ofada stew is also known as Ayamase.

It tastes good with spaghetti, yam, plantain, and plain white rice.

Among the basic ingredients are unripe habanero peppers, green tatashe or green bell peppers, onions, crayfish, various meats, and fish. Red palm oil is also used.

Additionally, locust bean seasoning (iru, ogiri okpei, or dawadawa) is used.eat, and fish.

4. Banga Stew

Native to the Igbo tribe, Banga Stew is also known as Ofe Akwu, or palm nut stew.

While it can take some time to extract the juice from the palm nuts, the dish that is left behind is incredibly satisfying.

The following ingredients are required: palm fruits or palm fruit concentrate; beef; dry fish; vegetables (iru, onions, crayfish, stock cubes, dried, crushed bitter leaves for Delta-style Banga soup, or scent leaves for Ofe Akwu).

5. Palm oil sauce

As the name suggests, this flavorful sauce is excellent with yam, boiled unripe plantain, and beans.

Essential ingredients include palm oil, onions, pepper, salt, seasoning cubes and vegetables such as carrots and green pepper.

6. Baobab Leaf Stew

Miyan Kuka, also known as Baobab Leaf Stew, is a favorite dish of the Hausa tribe from northern Nigeria that is typically served over white rice.

The main ingredients are dawadawa (fermented dried seeds of the African locust bean), pounded kuka (baobab) leaves, peppers (washed, soaked, and flaked), dried fish, onions, yaji (suya seasoning), a pinch of potash, palm oil, seasoning cubes, and salt to taste.

7. Gravy

Similar to the previous examples, it can be made with goat meat, beef, fish, or vegetable stock.

The main ingredients are any type of meat, curry powder, thyme, cloves, garlic, onions, corn flour, ginger, and seasonings to taste.

Additionally, one can include veggies like string beans or chopped carrots.