Nigerian Tomato Paste Stew (Quick Tomato Paste Stew)
Nigerian Tomato Paste Stew (Quick Tomato Paste Stew)
Nigerian Tomato Paste Stew is a quick and delicious stew made with tomato paste instead of fresh tomatoes. It is perfect when you need to prepare stew in a hurry. Tomato paste is made from tomatoes that have been cooked and concentrated into a thick, rich paste after removing the seeds and skin.
Although it does not have the exact fresh taste of whole tomatoes, it has a deep, concentrated tomato flavor that works wonderfully for stews. It also adds thickness and richness to dishes. Tomato paste is affordable, easy to store, and very versatile.
It can also be used for dishes like:
- Pasta sauce
- Barbecue sauce
- Tomato soup
- Pizza sauce
- Homemade ketchup
- Chili
For the best results, tomato paste should be fried in oil for a few minutes to remove its sour taste and develop a richer flavor.
Nigerian Tomato Paste Stew Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (ground)
- 2 seasoning cubes
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- Cooked fish, beef, or chicken
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, to thin the paste)
- Meat stock or water
How to Cook Nigerian Tomato Paste Stew
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a pot and place it on medium heat.
Step 2: Fry the Onions
When the oil becomes hot, add the sliced onions and fry gently until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Paste
In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with 2 tablespoons of water to loosen it slightly. This step is optional but helps prevent burning.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Add the thyme and curry powder to the onions and stir well.
Step 5: Fry the Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste, ground scotch bonnet pepper, and seasoning cubes.
Fry for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the paste loses its raw taste and becomes richer in color.
Step 6: Add Meat or Fish
Add your cooked beef, chicken, or fish.
Pour in a little meat stock or water, stir well, cover the pot, and cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Your Nigerian Tomato Paste Stew Is Ready
Serve hot with:
- Rice
- Boiled yam
- Fried or boiled potatoes
- Pasta
- Swallow with ewedu
This stew is simple, quick, and very tasty, making it perfect for everyday meals.
FAQs About Nigerian Tomato Paste Stew
1. Can I make Nigerian stew using only tomato paste?
Yes, you can make Nigerian stew using only tomato paste. Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that gives the stew a rich flavor. Frying the paste in oil for a few minutes helps remove the sour taste and enhances the flavor.
2. Why should tomato paste be fried before cooking stew?
Tomato paste should be fried in oil to remove its raw taste and sourness. Frying also deepens the color and flavor of the stew, making it richer and more delicious.
3. How long should I fry tomato paste for stew?
Tomato paste should be fried for about 5–10 minutes on medium heat while stirring continuously to prevent burning.
4. Can I add fresh tomatoes to tomato paste stew?
Yes, you can add blended fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers (tatashe), and scotch bonnet peppers to improve the flavor and texture of the stew.
5. What type of oil is best for Nigerian tomato stew?
Vegetable oil is commonly used, but you can also use palm oil or sunflower oil depending on your taste preference.
6. What protein can I add to tomato paste stew?
You can add:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Fish
- Turkey
- Goat meat
Any cooked meat or fish works well with tomato paste stew.
7. Why is my tomato paste stew sour?
Tomato paste stew may taste sour if the paste was not fried long enough. Frying the paste properly helps remove the acidic taste.
8. How do I reduce acidity in tomato paste stew?
You can reduce acidity by:
- Frying the paste longer
- Adding a small pinch of sugar
- Using onions to balance the flavor
9. How long can Nigerian tomato stew last in the fridge?
Nigerian tomato stew can last 3–5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
10. What can I serve Nigerian tomato paste stew with?
You can serve it with:
- White rice
- Boiled yam
- Fried plantain
- Potatoes
- Pasta
- Swallow with ewedu or other Nigerian soups
