How to Cook Stew | Nigerian Tomato Stew

How to Cook Stew | Nigerian Tomato Stew

Nigerian Tomato Stew, a rich and flavorful sauce, is a fundamental component in various Nigerian dishes, including Jollof Rice, Coconut Rice, Rice & Beans, and Nigerian Beef & Chicken Stew.

This versatile tomato stew serves as a foundation for many traditional meals, making it an essential recipe for any Nigerian kitchen.

Many home cooks, myself included, prefer to prepare a large quantity of this stew and store it in the freezer.

This not only saves time but also ensures that delicious meals can be made quickly and effortlessly.

How to Cook Stew: What Makes Nigerian Tomato Stew Special?

Tomato stew is one of the most popular and easiest Nigerian stew recipes.

The ingredients are widely available worldwide, and the cooking process is simple, taking approximately 90 minutes from start to finish.

While Nigeria has a variety of stews—such as Ofada Stew, Native Stew, Bukka Stew, and Ewa Agoyin Sauce—this recipe focuses on the staple Nigerian Red Tomato Stew.

Although it is often referred to as “plain stew,” don’t be deceived; it is full of depth and surprises.

Unlike some of its counterparts, it does not rely on traditional local spices, making it adaptable for different palates.

This rich tomato-based stew is a staple across West Africa, with ingredient variations depending on culture and personal preferences.

Despite these differences, all versions typically involve blended tomatoes, onions, and peppers, cooked with oil and proteins such as beef, goat meat, or chicken.

The choice of oil, vegetables, and seasoning can vary from one household to another, giving each pot of stew a unique touch.

A Guide to the Perfect Stew Base: How to Cook Nigerian Red Tomato Stew

Ingredients

• 2 kg Goat Meat (or preferred protein: chicken, beef, or fish)
• 1500 ml Ground Tomatoes
• Ground Fresh Red Pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup Sliced Onions
• 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon each of Curry and Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Garlic
• 400 ml Vegetable Oil
• 3 Stock Cubes
• 2 tbsp Crayfish (optional but enhances flavor)
• Salt to Taste
• 1 teaspoon Beef Seasoning Spice
• Vegetables (Optional) (Curry leaves, Pumpkin leaves, etc.)

Recipe: How to Cook Stew

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash the fresh tomatoes thoroughly and blend them with fresh red pepper. For added flavor, blend the crayfish with the nutmeg seed.
2. Slice the onions and set them aside.
3. Wash the goat meat (or your choice of protein) and place it in a pot. Add three stock cubes, a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon each of curry and thyme, and half a cup of sliced onions.
4. Sprinkle a teaspoon of your preferred beef seasoning spice.
5. Parboil the meat until it becomes tender. The rich meat stock produced during this process will enhance the flavor of the stew.

Step 2: Fry the Tomatoes

6. Set a frying pan on medium heat and pour in 400 ml of vegetable oil.
7. Add the sliced onions and fry for about 2 minutes to release their aroma.
8. Pour in the blended tomatoes and red pepper mixture, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Secret to Eliminating Sourness: If you’ve ever made tomato stew with a sour taste, the solution is simple: fry the tomatoes with plenty of oil. Onions also help to reduce the acidity, resulting in a well-balanced stew.

9. Continue frying for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently. The goal is to cook out the raw tomato taste until the mixture thickens and the oil separates from the tomatoes.

3: Combine with the Meat

10. Once the tomatoes are well-fried, transfer them to the pot with the pre-cooked meat and its stock.
11. Add a teaspoon each of ground ginger and garlic. Stir well.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Cooking

12. Add an extra stock cube (optional), the blended crayfish and nutmeg mixture, and allow the stew to simmer for 10 minutes.
13. Taste for salt and adjust as necessary.

Step 5: Add Vegetables (Optional)

14. If using vegetables such as curry leaves or pumpkin leaves, add them now and allow the stew to simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
15. Remove from heat and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Nigerian Tomato Stew is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes, including:

• White Rice
• Jollof Rice
• Coconut Rice
• Rice & Beans
• Spaghetti Surprise
• Yam
• Beans
• Bread (A popular comfort food pairing!)

How to Cook Stew

With this simple yet flavorful recipe, you can enjoy authentic Nigerian Tomato Stew anytime.

Whether you choose to store it in the freezer for future meals or enjoy it fresh, this stew will always be a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire.