Welcome to this authentic Ayamase (Nigerian Green Pepper Stew) recipe – a flavorful West African dish known for its unique preparation method and rich taste. This special stew features tender meat in a spicy green pepper sauce with a distinctive smoky palm oil base.
Traditionally served with ofada rice (unpolished brown rice), this stew originated from Ogun state in Nigeria and has become a beloved dish across the country, especially known for its complex flavors and hearty nature.
Ingredients
- 9 large green bell peppers
- 1 red bell pepper
- 9 green scotch bonnet peppers
- 1 red scotch bonnet pepper
- 2 large onions (1 chopped, 1 for blending)
- 2 cups palm oil
- 1/2 cup locust beans (iru)
- 3 Maggi stock cubes
- 1-2 tablespoons ground crayfish
- Assorted meats (beef, shaki, ponmo)
- 4-6 boiled eggs
- Salt to taste
- Beef stock from cooking
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Boil the assorted meats without curry or thyme if using the stock for the stew
- Step 2: Coarsely blend green peppers, scotch bonnets, and one onion. Boil mixture uncovered to reduce water content
- Step 3: In a separate pot, bleach palm oil by heating covered for 10 minutes
- Step 4: Allow bleached oil to cool completely (about 10 minutes)
- Step 5: Test oil bleaching by touching with white paper – should appear translucent
- Step 6: Heat bleached oil and add half the locust beans
- Step 7: Add boiled meat to the reduced pepper mixture
- Step 8: Pour the oil-locust bean mixture into the pepper-meat mixture
- Step 9: Add stock cubes, beef stock, and salt to taste
- Step 10: After 10 minutes, add remaining locust beans
- Step 11: Add whole scotch bonnet and ground crayfish
- Step 12: Pierce boiled eggs with fork and add to stew
- Step 13: Cook for final 2 minutes before removing from heat
Additional Instructions
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 6-8 people
- To avoid bitterness, use lighter colored green peppers
- Don’t overbleach the palm oil as it can affect taste
- Can be served with ofada rice, regular rice, yam, or plantain
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days
- For best results, stir frequently while cooking
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 25g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 15g
- Approx. Fat: 35g
