Nigerian Buka Stew Recipe

Nigerian Buka stew is a rich and flavorful dish that is popularly served in bukas (local restaurants) across Nigeria. It is a hearty stew made with a variety of meats and vegetables, which are simmered in a spicy tomato sauce until they are tender and infused with the flavors of the spices. Buka stew originated from the Yoruba tribe and is a  dish that is often prepared for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. Buka stew is typically made with a combination of meats such as beef, goat, or chicken, and vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach. The stew is seasoned with a variety of spices such as ginger, garlic, curry powder, and chili pepper, giving it a bold and spicy flavor. Nigerian Buka stew is a great source of protein and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.

Ready to try for yourself? Let’s get cooking! 

Ingredients

• 1 lb of beef, goat, or chicken, cut into small pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup of spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon of garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon of curry powder
• 1 tablespoon of chili pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup of water

Preparation 

• In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
• Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, curry powder, and chili pepper flakes to the pot and stir well.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and bell peppers to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until they are soft.
• Add the meat to the pot and stir well to coat it with the spices and vegetables.
• Add the water to the pot and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
• Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir well. Let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Serve the Nigerian Buka stew hot with a side of rice, yams, or plantains.