Banga Stew (Ofe Akwu) recipe

Banga Stew (Ofe Akwu)

by @tamara
5.0
From 1 rating
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
1hr 0min
Total Time
1hr 30min

Banga Stew, also known as Ofe Akwu, is a traditional dish from the Niger Delta and South Eastern parts of Nigeria. It is a flavorful stew made with palm fruit extract and is typically served with white rice.

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Main Ingredients

  • 1L
    Banga paste or palm fruits
  • 1lb
    cow meat
  • 1lb
    Kpomo
  • 2tbsp
    crayfish
  • 2
    cubes Maggi
  • 1tsp
    salt
  • 5sprigs
    scent leaves
  • 1tbsp
    Banga spices
  • 1piece
    Okpei
  • 1piece
    onion
  • 2piece
    fresh tomatoes (optional)
  • 2piece
    Scotch bonnet pepper

How to make Banga Stew (Ofe Akwu)

Preparation

  1. Wash the meat and Kpomo thoroughly. Place them in a pot and steam with Maggi cubes, salt, onions, and a little pepper. Add water to create the stock.

Banga Paste Preparation (if using palm fruits)

  1. Wash the palm fruits and place them in a pot. Add enough water and boil until soft.

  2. Remove from the pot and place in a mortar. Pound to separate the flesh from the nut, then set the nuts aside.

  3. Use warm water to wash and squeeze the flesh, extracting the water until it becomes concentrated. Sieve the mixture. This can be done repeatedly or at once, depending on the size of the palm fruit.

Cooking the Stew

  1. In a dry pot, pour in the Banga paste and allow it to boil.

  2. Add the meat stock, sliced tomatoes, pepper, and onions. Stir in the crayfish, Maggi cubes, Banga spice, and dissolved Okpei.

  3. Add the meat and Kpomo, and salt to taste. Allow the mixture to boil until it starts to thicken.

  4. Add the chopped scent leaves and simmer for 2 minutes.

    Step 3.1: Add the chopped scent leaves and simmer for 2 minutes

Tips & Tricks

  1. Serve the Banga Stew with boiled white rice. You can also add fried plantain or beans on the side for a complete meal.

Reviews

5.0
From 1 rating
u

ugoilem

Perfect