Africa is home to a wide variety of greens dishes, including Efo Riro. This dish features greens cooked in a bold, savory sauce containing peppers, tomatoes, and other aromatics. It originated from Nigeria, specifically, from the Yoruba tribe, where the name efo riro translates to “mixed greens”. Kale (or spinach) is used in this recipe, although other greens can be used in its place. While the dish is traditionally prepared with different meats, this plant-forward recipe utilizes soaked peanuts to give a meaty texture, and mushrooms for additional texture and savory flavor.
1 cup unsalted peanuts, dry roasted or raw
1-2 cups boiling water
2 pounds spinach or kale, washed
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 red onion (half thinly sliced, half roughly chopped, divided)
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 cup plus 2-3 teaspoons reduced sodium vegetable broth, divided
2-3 red bell peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, stemmed
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic
Salt to taste