Amala, ewedu, and gbegiri is one of the most iconic Yoruba meals. The combination includes soft amala, smooth ewedu soup, creamy gbegiri bean soup, red stew, and assorted meats. It is rich, comforting, and deeply traditional.
This complete guide explains what each part of the meal is and how to bring everything together.
What Is Amala?
Amala is a dark, smooth swallow usually made from yam flour, also called elubo. It is cooked with hot water and stirred until firm and smooth.
What Is Ewedu?
Ewedu is a green soup made from jute leaves. It has a light, drawy texture and is often seasoned with iru and crayfish.
For step-by-step instructions, see Ewedu Soup Recipe.
What Is Gbegiri?
Gbegiri is a creamy bean soup made from peeled beans. It is usually cooked until soft, blended, and seasoned with palm oil, pepper, crayfish, and seasoning.
Ingredients for a Full Plate
For Amala
- Yam flour
- Water
For Ewedu
- Ewedu leaves
- Iru
- Crayfish
- Salt
- Seasoning cube
For Gbegiri
- Peeled beans
- Palm oil
- Pepper
- Crayfish
- Seasoning
- Salt
For Stew and Meat
- Pepper stew
- Beef
- Goat meat
- Shaki
- Ponmo
- Assorted meat
How to Serve Amala, Ewedu and Gbegiri
Place amala on a plate or bowl. Add ewedu, then gbegiri, then red stew on top. Add assorted meat and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Result
- Make the stew ahead of time.
- Cook gbegiri until very soft and smooth.
- Do not overcook ewedu.
- Serve everything hot.
- Use good-quality yam flour for amala.
What Else to Serve With This Meal
- Fufu
- Pounded yam
- Semo
- Eba
- Rice and stew
Amala, ewedu, and gbegiri is a complete Yoruba comfort meal. With smooth amala, drawy ewedu, creamy gbegiri, red stew, and assorted meat, it is one of Nigeria's most satisfying traditional dishes.