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Obe Ata

@arecipe.bsky.social

Obe Ata is a traditional Yoruba stew widely eaten in Nigeria, especially in the southwestern region. The name means “pepper sauce” in Yoruba. It is a versatile base sauce used for many Nigerian dishes such as rice, yam, plantain, beans, and swallows.

Total 01:00
Yield 6 plates

Ingredients

  • 6–10 fresh tomatoes
  • 2–4 red bell peppers (tatashe)
  • 2–6 scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo)
  • 2 medium onions
  • Beef, chicken, goat meat, or fish
  • 2–4 boiled eggs (optional) (optional)
  • ½ cup palm oil or vegetable oil
  • 2–3 seasoning cubes
  • Salt to taste
  • 1–2 teaspoons ground crayfish (optional) (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme or curry powder (optional) (optional)
  • 1–2 cups meat stock or water

Instructions

  1. 1
    Wash and blend tomatoes, peppers, scotch bonnet, and one onion.
  2. 2
    The blend can be smooth or slightly coarse depending on preference.
  3. 3
    Season meat with salt, onions, and seasoning cubes.
  4. 4
    Cook until tender and set aside.
  5. 5
    Fry lightly if a richer flavour is desired.
  6. 6
    Pour oil into a pot and heat gently.
  7. 7
    If using palm oil, allow it to heat until it becomes slightly clear but not burnt.
  8. 8
    Add chopped onions to the oil and fry lightly.
  9. 9
    Pour in the blended pepper mix and cook on medium heat until water reduces and oil begins to separate (20–30 minutes).
  10. 10
    Add cooked meat or fish, seasoning cubes, crayfish, and spices.
  11. 11
    Stir well and allow to simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  12. 12
    Taste and adjust salt and seasoning.
  13. 13
    Add boiled eggs if using and simmer briefly.
Cuisine
African

Recipe Attribution

Wikibooks Cookbook
en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Obe_Ata