Nigerian Banga Stew (Ofe Akwu)
A traditional Nigerian stew made with palm fruit concentrate, meat, fish, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
- 1piecefresh palm fruit
- 800gtinned palm fruit concentrate
- 1lbcow tail or any meat of your choice
- 1piecefresh or dry salmon fish or any fish of your choice
- 1bundlescent leaves
- 1pieceokpei
- 2pieceonion bulbs
- 2pieceseasoning cubes
- 1cupground crayfish
- 1cantomato paste (optional)
- salt to taste
How to make Nigerian Banga Stew (Ofe Akwu)
Cook the meat with seasoning cubes, salt, and onion until it becomes soft and easy to chew, or season the meat with seasoning cubes and grill in an oven if you have one. Then set them aside.
Grind and blend the spices to powder. Also blend the pepper.
Wash the dry fish if you're using dry fish and remove the center bone. Or boil your fresh fish together with your meat.
Boil the palm fruit for 20 to 30 minutes, pound with a mortar and pestle, add water and extract the juice using a sieve.
Boil the juice and tomato (optional) for about 15 to 20 minutes or until it becomes thick
While boiling add dried fish, steamed fresh fish, water, ground crayfish mix, local okpei spice, precooked meat, ground pepper, half of one ehuru (African nutmeg spice, optional), salt, and seasonings to taste. Then boil for another 10 minutes or until it thickens and is not watery.
Add scent leaves and some more seasonings if necessary. Simmer for about 2 or 3 minutes.
Your Banga stew is ready for consumption. Serve with your already cooked white rice.
Tips & Tricks
You can use either fresh or dry fish depending on your preference.
Adjust the seasoning and spices to suit your taste.
FAQS
How can I make Nigerian Banga Stew (Ofe Akwu) vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
To make Nigerian Banga Stew vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the meat and fish with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of meat broth for cooking. Ensure that the palm fruit concentrate and other ingredients are free from animal products.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Banga Stew?
Banga Stew pairs wonderfully with white rice, but you can also serve it with fufu, pounded yam, or plantains. These sides complement the rich flavors of the stew and create a satisfying meal.
How do I store leftover Banga Stew, and how long does it last?
To store leftover Banga Stew, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it, where it can last for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Can I use fresh palm fruit instead of tinned palm fruit concentrate for Banga Stew?
Yes, you can use fresh palm fruit instead of tinned palm fruit concentrate. Simply boil the fresh palm fruit for 20 to 30 minutes, pound it, and extract the juice. This will give your Banga Stew a more authentic flavor, although it may require more effort than using the concentrate.
What spices can I use as substitutes for okpei in Banga Stew?
If you don't have okpei, you can substitute it with fermented locust beans (iru) or even a small amount of miso paste for a similar umami flavor. Just be cautious with the quantity, as these substitutes can be quite potent.
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Am a food lover😋 and chef 💁♀️A Beauty and wellness consultant 🙋♀️ Health advocate for vaginacare . I offer free consultation and recommend safe natural products from sweden Am a food lover😋 and chef 💁♀️A Beauty and wellness consultant 🙋♀️ Health advocate for vaginacare . I offer free consultation and recommend safe natural...
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