Light Efo Riro (Turkey & Spinach Stew)
A lightened Nigerian spinach stew made with lean ground turkey, tomatoes, and peppers instead of heavy oil for a nourishing, lower-calorie bowl.
Efo riro is a classic Nigerian vegetable stew, traditionally rich with palm oil. This lighter version keeps the deep tomato-pepper base and mountains of fresh spinach, but swaps in lean ground turkey and just a spoonful of oil so the stew stays vibrant without feeling heavy.
Because it leans on lean turkey and generous spinach per serving, this bowl is genuinely high in protein relative to its calories and offers real fiber, which helps it feel filling even at a moderate calorie count — useful if you're eating with weight loss in mind. Using far less oil than the traditional version also keeps saturated fat in check while still delivering plenty of flavor from the pepper-tomato blend, onions, and traditional seasonings.
Spoon it over a small portion of brown rice or boiled plantain, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal that still tastes like home.
Ingredients
Most ingredients here are everyday market staples across West Africa. A handful of specialty items may be easiest to find at a local open-air market or an African grocery store if you're elsewhere.
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