Nigerian Spinach and Beef Stew with Ginger Ale
This Nigerian Spinach and Beef Stew is a delightful fusion of traditional West African flavors, drawing from the roots of the Yoruba tribe's Efo Egusi dish. It expertly combines tender stewing beef with fresh spinach, vibrant tomatoes, and the unique sweetness of ginger ale. Known in various regions of West Africa as Palaver sauce, this dish captures the essence of community and celebration around a shared meal. The addition of ginger ale not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a subtle sweetness that complements the earthy flavors. This hearty stew can be easily adapted to a Dutch oven or a slow cooker, making it convenient for family dinners or gatherings. Serve it over rice to soak up the savory sauce, and enjoy a comforting taste of Nigeria in your own home.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing beef
2 lbs (cut into cubes, lean)
Ginger ale
12 ounces (n/a)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
Tomatoes
1 medium (chopped)
Fresh spinach
10 ounces (washed and torn into small pieces)
Onions
4 medium (sliced thinly into rings)
Whole tomatoes
2 medium (sliced)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (n/a)
Cold water
1 tablespoon (n/a)
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven or large pot, brown the beef cubes over medium heat until they are well browned on all sides.
2
Pour in the ginger ale, and add the crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and chopped tomatoes. Stir to combine.
3
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4
While the beef is cooking, wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Tear the leaves into small pieces.
5
Slice the onions into thin rings and set aside. Slice the whole tomatoes into rounds.
6
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering stew and cook for about 1 minute, until the stew slightly thickens.
7
Add the onion rings, sliced tomatoes, and torn spinach to the pot. Stir to incorporate and return to a simmer.
8
Cover the pot again and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.
9
Serve hot over rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to enhance the grains.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
5.5g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
1.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nigerian Spinach and Beef Stew?
It is a flavorful fusion dish from West Africa that combines tender beef, fresh spinach, tomatoes, and ginger ale.
What is the cultural origin of this dish?
This recipe draws from the roots of the Yoruba tribe's Efo Egusi dish and is also known as Palaver sauce in parts of West Africa.
What makes the beef tender in this recipe?
The addition of ginger ale acts as a tenderizer for the meat while providing a subtle sweetness.
Can this stew be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, this hearty stew can be easily adapted for both a Dutch oven and a slow cooker.
What is the main protein used?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of lean stewing beef cut into cubes.
How much ginger ale is needed?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of ginger ale.
How long should the beef simmer?
The beef should simmer for approximately 1.5 hours or until it becomes tender.
How is the spinach prepared?
The fresh spinach should be washed, tough stems removed, and leaves torn into small pieces.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper.
How many onions are included?
The recipe uses 4 medium onions, sliced thinly into rings.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is mixed with water to create a slurry that thickens the stew sauce.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains 100 calories, 3g of fat, 5.5g of carbohydrates, and 12.5g of protein.
Is there any sugar in this stew?
Yes, there is approximately 1.25g of sugar per serving.
How many types of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses both chopped medium tomatoes and whole tomatoes sliced into rounds.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is best served hot over rice to soak up the savory sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including meat, vegetables, and liquids.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and contains 1g of fiber per serving.
What heat setting should be used for simmering?
After the initial browning and boiling, the heat should be reduced to low for the 1.5-hour simmer.
How many whole tomatoes are sliced?
Two medium whole tomatoes are sliced into rounds for this dish.
What amount of crushed red pepper flakes is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much water is needed for the cornstarch slurry?
You need 1 tablespoon of cold water to mix with the cornstarch.
When do you add the vegetables to the pot?
Onions, sliced tomatoes, and spinach are added after the beef is tender and the sauce has been thickened.
How long do the vegetables cook?
The vegetables should simmer for about 5 minutes until they are just tender.
Is this dish known by any other names?
It is commonly known as Palaver sauce in various West African regions.
What size should the beef be cut into?
The beef should be cut into cubes for even browning and cooking.
Does the recipe use oil for browning?
The instructions mention browning the beef over medium heat but do not specify an oil amount.
What is the fiber content per serving?
The stew provides 1g of fiber per serving.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is recommended for texture, frozen could be used if thoroughly drained.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
What kind of pot is recommended?
A Dutch oven or a large pot is ideal for browning and simmering the stew.