Roasted Plantain and Pepper Stew: A Classic Nigerian Combo
When it comes to Nigerian street food, roasted plantain and pepper stew, popularly known as Boli and Stew, hold a special place in our hearts (and stomachs). This beloved combo is the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, sweet, and savoury. Whether eaten as a quick lunch or a weekend treat, it’s a meal that brings both nostalgia and flavour to the table.
At NaijaMart, we celebrate the dishes that define our culture. Let’s break down this delicious Nigerian classic and show you how to recreate it at home using ingredients from our online store.
Roasted Plantain (Boli)
Roasted plantain, or Boli, is a staple across Nigerian markets and streets. Traditionally roasted over charcoal, it’s now commonly made in ovens for a cleaner, healthier twist.
- What You Need: Semi-ripe or ripe plantains
- How To Make It: Score the skin, sprinkle with a pinch of salt or suya spice, and roast on a baking tray until golden and slightly charred.
- Why We Love It: Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, naturally sweet, and packed with potassium, fibre, and vitamins.
🛒 Shop Fresh Plantain on NaijaMart
Pepper Stew (Ata Dindin)
This fiery stew is the heart of the dish. Made with blended scotch bonnet peppers, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes bell peppers, it’s fried in oil and slow-cooked with traditional seasonings until thick and flavourful.
- Star Ingredients: Crayfish, seasoning cubes, smoked fish, and optionally iru (locust beans)
- What Makes It Unique: The inclusion of smoked fish, such as Panla or Mangala, adds a deep, smoky flavour that’s signature to this dish.
- Serving Tip: Let the stew simmer long enough for the oil to rise to the top and the ingredients to fully come together.
🛒 Browse: Scotch Bonnet Peppers, Crayfish, Palm Oil, and Smoked Fish on NaijaMart
Smoked Fish: The Secret Weapon
Smoked fish is more than just a flavour booster—it’s the soul of many Nigerian soups and stews. In this meal, it pairs beautifully with the spicy stew, offering protein and that unmistakable, earthy aroma that makes you feel like you’re back in the village kitchen.
- Health Benefits: Lean protein, omega-3s, and essential minerals
- Popular Types: Panla (cod), Mangala, Titus
🛒 Get premium Nigerian smoked fish on NaijaMart
How to Serve Roasted Plantain and Pepper Stew
This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh:
- Serve plantain whole or sliced alongside a generous scoop of pepper stew
- Add groundnuts or grilled fish for a fuller meal
- Wash it down with a chilled drink like Zobo, Coke, or a non-alcoholic malt
Get the Ingredients from NaijaMart
Recreate the full experience by shopping authentic ingredients directly from our site:
- Plantain (Fresh)
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper (Ata Rodo)
- Palm Oil
- Smoked Fish (Panla, Mangala, Titus)
- Crayfish, Seasoning Cubes, Iru
Final Thoughts on Roasted Plantain and Pepper Stew
Roasted Plantain and Pepper Stew is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural icon. Whether you’re hosting guests, craving street food, or introducing Nigerian flavours to your family, this combo never disappoints.
And the best part? With NaijaMart, you don’t need to search far to find the real ingredients. We deliver Nigerian groceries across South Africa, helping you bring the taste of home to your table—any day, anytime.
