Locust Beans Stew

@ K’s Cuisine

Locust beans stew (obe oniru) or obe iru is Nigerian stew made with locust beans (iru), pepper mix, assorted meat and some other type of protein.
Iru are fermented beans from the Nigerian Locust tree. At first sniff, you get a slight cocoa flavor that turns into a savory, umami aroma. Iru can go by many name sand is used in a variety of west African cuisines and dishes – try making Ofada or Ayamase Stew, a slow simmered dish of bell peppers.

Ingredients

• 3 Large Red Bell peppers
• 8- 12 Scotch bonnets
• 1 Large Onion
• 1 Small Onion Chopped
• 1 Cup Palm oil
• 6 tbspn Locust beans Divided
• 2 Cup Assorted meat
• ½ Cup Stock fish Trimmings
• ¼ Cup Dried Prawns
• 2 Stock Cubes
• Salt

Instructions

1. Using a food processor or blender, rough blend the bell peppers, scotch bonnets and large onion.
2. Add Palmoil in a pot then add in chopped onions and half of the locust beans. Stir for 2 minutes.
3. Add in the blended pepper and stock cubes.
4. Add assorted meat, stockfish fillings and dried prawns. Stir and leave to fry for 10 minutes
5. Add in the remaining half of locust beans, taste for salt and adjust accordingly. Let the stew fry for 5 more minutes or till well fried then take off heat.
6. Enjoy with rice, yam, pasta, plantain or any food of your choice.