EBA AND EFO RIRO

Photo Credit: Pinterest 

By Olarinre Gloria Oluwasemiloore 

Eba and Efo Riro is a classic Nigerian combo that is easy and delicious, and the good news is that it is super accessible, even for busy students looking for a full and easy meal.

How to Make Eba

Eba (Garri mixed with hot water) is a staple made from Garri (cassava flakes), and it’s straightforward to whip up.

You start by boiling enough water to cover the amount of Garri you plan to use. Once the water’s hot, you gradually add your Garri and stir swiftly with a wooden spatula or a spoon. You mix it till it is smooth, then you shape it or just mold it how you like. Then your Eba is ready!

How to cook Efo Riro

Efo Riro is a rich vegetable stew (Efo means “leaf” typically spinach or similar greens).

You start by blending some peppers (like scotch bonnet, bell peppers), onions, and maybe some locust beans (Iru) if you like. 

In a pot, heat some palm oil (a key ingredient in Efo Riro), add in chopped onions and your blended pepper mix and let it cook. 

 Now add your washed, chopped greens (like Ugwu, water leaf, bitter leaf), and season with salt, maybe add some crayfish powder and beef or fish chunks if you like. Let it cook till it’s rich and tasty and then your Efo Riro is ready!

Why It’s Easy for Students:

- It is Quick: It does not have too many complicated steps, it is a straightforward cooking.

- It is Affordable: Common ingredients like Garri, greens, peppers fit student budgets.

- It is Filling: Eba + Efo Riro is satisfying!

- It is Adaptable: You can tweak seasonings, add proteins like bits of chicken or fish if you like it.

Serving It Up

Scoop some Eba, and add your rich Efo Riro and dig in. You already have a meal that’ll fill you up and make you feel good.

Also, with your leftover Efo Riro you can pair it beautifully with rice for a next-day meal. You can turn it into a satisfying Rice and Efo Riro combo, and it is easy peasy.

To achieve this, just cook some plain white rice (or parboiled if you prefer). Warm up that leftover Efo Riro, it might even taste richer the second day as the flavors have meld more. Put the Efo Riro generously over the rice, the rich vegetable stew mixes with the rice and makes a simple meal. It is flexible, filling, and cuts food waste and it is a win-win for a student on a budget.