Locust beans stew (Obe iru or Obe oniru) is a traditional Nigerian dish featuring fermented locust beans, a vibrant pepper mix, and assorted meats. This deeply flavorful stew pairs wonderfully with rice, yam, plantain, pasta, or any preferred staple food.
This recipe showcases the distinct taste of locust beans (iru), which adds an unmistakable depth and richness to the stew. While iru woro is preferred for this recipe, dawadawa or ogiri can be used as substitutes if locust beans are unavailable.
Ingredients
- 3 large red bell peppers
- 8-12 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
- 2 onions (1 large for blending, 1 small chopped)
- 1 cup palm oil
- 6 tablespoons locust beans (iru woro), divided
- 2 cups assorted meat
- ½ cup stockfish trimmings
- ¼ cup dried prawns
- 2 stock cubes
- Salt to taste
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Roughly blend the bell peppers, scotch bonnets, and large onion in a food processor
- Step 2: Heat palm oil in a pot, add chopped onions and half of the locust beans, stir for 2 minutes
- Step 3: Add the blended pepper mixture and stock cubes
- Step 4: Mix in the assorted meat, stockfish trimmings, and dried prawns
- Step 5: Let the mixture fry for 10 minutes
- Step 6: Add remaining locust beans and salt to taste
- Step 7: Cook for additional 5 minutes until well-fried
Additional Instructions
- Prep time: 7 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 6-8 people
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days
- Note: Unlike Ofada stew, this recipe uses unbleached palm oil
- Variation: Can use dawadawa or ogiri as locust beans substitute
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 18g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 12g
- Approx. Fat: 28g
