🍲 Spinach Stew 🌿

This delicious and simple spinach stew is perfect for a quick meal and pairs wonderfully with rice, fufu, or any side of your choice.

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🌍 What Is Spinach Stew?

Spinach stew is a flavorful dish commonly enjoyed in various cultures, particularly in West Africa. It's a hearty and nutritious meal that combines fresh spinach with meat, spices, and a variety of seasonings, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

🧾 Ingredients

**Base:**

- 500g beef (with bones)

- 200g smoked mackerel (deboned)

- 1 onion (sliced)

- 1 cup locust bean powder

- 1-2 seasoning cubes

- 1-2 cups palm oil

- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

- 200g baby shrimps

- 1 cup peanuts (washed and sliced)

- 4 cups fresh spinach (chopped)

**Optional:**

- 1 tomato (for blending)

- Assorted peppers (bell peppers, sweet peppers, habanero, mini paprikas)

- Additional onions (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Meat**

- In a cooking pot, heat a little oil.

- Add sliced onions and sauté for extra flavor.

- Add beef and bones, cover, and steam fry for about 3 minutes.

2. **Season the Meat**

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- After 3 minutes, add salt and seasoning cubes.

- Stir and cover for another 3 minutes until the meat is golden brown and tender.

3. **Blend the Peppers**

- Blend the assorted peppers and optional tomato until smooth.

4. **Combine Ingredients**

- Add palm oil to the pot with the meat (do not let it get too hot).

- Stir in half of the sliced onions and the blended pepper mixture.

- Add locust bean powder, salt, smoked mackerel, and baby shrimps.

5. **Add the Meat**

- Gently add the cooked meat (without excess oil) into the pot and stir well.

6. **Prepare the Spinach**

- Chop the spinach into medium-sized pieces using your hands for a traditional touch.

7. **Cook the Spinach**

- Add the chopped spinach to the pot and mix.

- Let it simmer for a few minutes, then add the remaining sliced onions for extra flavor.

8. **Final Touches**

- Leave the pot uncovered to allow excess water to evaporate.

- Cook until the stew is thickened and fragrant.

🍽️ How to Serve

Serve the spinach stew hot with rice, fufu, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with additional sliced onions if desired.

💡 Pro Tips

- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of habanero or other peppers used.

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- Feel free to substitute the meat with your choice of protein, such as chicken or tofu.

🔥 Why You’ll Love This

This spinach stew is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. The combination of tender meat, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices creates a comforting dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household!