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Nigerian Vegetable Stew Recipe (Easy & Healthy)

This Nigerian Vegetable Stew is a flavorful combination of tender goat meat, a rich tomato and pepper sauce, and vibrant leafy vegetables. The goat meat is first seasoned and cooked until tender, while the tomato base is simmered to develop a deep, rich flavor. The vegetables are briefly blanched to preserve their bright green color before being stirred into the stew. The result is a delicious, nutritious meal that's perfect with boiled rice, yam, plantain, potatoes, or any favorite side.
Course Quick Recipes, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine African Food, Global, Nigerian, West African
Keyword African Vegetable Stew, easy Nigerian dinner recipe, Goat Meat Stew, Healthy Nigerian Recipes, Leafy Vegetable Stew, Nigerian Stew Recipe, Nigerian Vegetable Stew, One-Pot Nigerian Meal, Tomato Vegetable Stew, Vegetable Stew Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 350kcal
Cost $5

Equipment

  • 1 pot for making vegetable sauce

Ingredients

  • 500 g goat meat Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • 1/2 whole medium onion Divide as directed for cooking and blending.
  • 4 whole medium fresh tomatoes Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup fresh pepper Adjust the quantity to your preferred heat level.
  • 1 whole bulb garlic Fresh garlic gives a richer aroma than garlic powder.
  • 1 whole small thumb of ginger Adds warmth and balances the tomato flavor.
  • 25 ml vegetable oil Any neutral cooking oil works well.
  • 1/2 tablespoon stock cube Use your favorite brand for extra umami.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste after combining all the ingredients.
  • 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce Adds depth and enhances the savory flavor.
  • 1 whole bunch Nigerian spinach Wash thoroughly and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 whole handful scent leaf

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the vegetables, goat meat, peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger thoroughly. Cook the goat meat with half the salt, half the stock cube, sliced onion, and half the soy sauce until tender.
    Nigerian Vegetable Stew
  • Step 2: Make the Stew Base: Blend the tomatoes, remaining onion, fresh pepper, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Pour the mixture into a pan and cook until most of the excess water evaporates. Stir in the vegetable oil, remaining salt, and remaining soy sauce, then continue cooking, stirring occasionally.
    Blended tomato and pepper mix steaming in a pan for Nigerian vegetable stew
  • Step 3: Blanch the Vegetables: Bring water to a boil and blanch the chopped vegetables for about 2 minutes. Drain immediately and transfer them to ice water to preserve their bright green color, then drain and pat dry.
    Blanched ugu and scent leaf in ice water to preserve color for vegetable stew
  • Step 4: Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked goat meat to the tomato base, followed by the blanched vegetables. Gently stir everything together and simmer for a few minutes until the flavors combine. Serve warm with rice, yam, plantain, or any preferred side.
    Goat meat and blanched vegetables combined in pepper-tomato base, simmering together

Notes

Blanching the vegetables helps them stay bright green and prevents overcooking.
Avoid overcooking the vegetables after adding them to the stew to keep their texture and nutrients.
Simmer the tomato mixture until most of the excess moisture evaporates for a richer, more concentrated flavor.
Adjust the amount of fresh pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
If the goat meat is tough, cook it longer until tender before adding it to the stew.