Nigerian Tomato Pepper Stew
Nigerian Tomato Pepper Stew, also known as *Stew of Life*, is a vibrant and flavorful dish popular in Nigeria. Made with ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, this stew is perfect over rice or with bread, offering a taste of authentic Nigerian cuisine right at home.
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Level
Easy
Serves
4
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Instructions
- 1
In a blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, and one chopped onion. Blend until smooth.
- 2
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Pour the blended tomato and pepper mixture into the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions.
- 5
Add the salt, black pepper, thyme, and optional green chili peppers for heat. Stir to mix all the flavors.
- 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the stew is too thick, add water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- 7
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over rice or with bread.
Tips
Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
Don't skip sautéing the onions; it enhances the stew's base flavor.
Consider adding diced meat or fish for a heartier stew.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For long-term storage, freeze in portion-sized containers.
Substitutions
- Use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available.
- Any variety of bell pepper can be substituted based on preference.
What to Serve With
- Rice
- Bread
- Plantains
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the base can lead to burnt flavors; sauté on medium heat.
- Not blending the tomato and pepper mixture smoothly can affect the stew's texture.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian! You can enjoy it as is or add vegetables of your choice.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this stew be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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