Cooking with Scent Leaf (Efirin): 3 Easy Nigerian Recipes You Should Try

Scent leaf, locally known as Efirin in Yoruba, Nchaanwu among the Igbo, and Daidoya for the Hausa, is a prized herb in Nigerian kitchens. With its captivating aroma and bold peppery flavor, scent leaf brings freshness and homey depth to countless dishes—making it a staple for both everyday meals and festive occasions. If you want to elevate your Nigerian cooking, here are three simple recipes featuring scent leaf you absolutely need to try.

Image from: Envy Nature

1. Scent Leaf (Efirin) Stew

This aromatic tomato stew wakes up your senses and pairs perfectly with rice, yams, or plantains.

Image from: Kitchen Butterfly

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh scent leaf, washed and chopped
• 5 medium tomatoes
• 2 red bell peppers
• 1 large onion
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo)
• 1/4 cup palm oil or vegetable oil
• 1-2 teaspoons ground crayfish (optional)
• 500g assorted meat or fish (beef, goat, smoked fish)
• 2 seasoning cubes, salt to taste

Ingredients available to shop at L'Afrique Market

Instructions

1. Blend tomatoes, peppers, and half the onion until smooth.
2. In a pot, heat oil and sauté chopped onion until golden.
3. Pour in the blended mix and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add meat/fish and crayfish, season, and cook for another 10 minutes.
5. Stir in chopped scent leaf, cook 3 more minutes, and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve with white rice, boiled yam, or plantains for a rich, aromatic meal.

Also read: Kaun (Potash): Uses, Benefits & Origin in African Cooking

2. Efirin Pepper Soup

An immune-boosting, revitalizing soup that uses scent leaf’s natural medicinal properties.

Image from: Sisi Jemimah's Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 handfuls fresh scent leaf, washed and roughly torn
• 500g goat meat, catfish, or chicken
• 2 tablespoons of homemade or store-bought pepper soup spice
• 2 scotch bonnets, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 seasoning cubes, salt to taste
• 1.5 liters water

Ingredients available to shop at L'Afrique Market

Instructions

1. In a pot, add meat/fish, half the onion, seasoning cubes, and salt. Cover with water and boil until almost tender.
2. Add pepper soup spice, remaining onions, and chili. Continue cooking until meat/fish is fully done and the broth is rich.
3. Stir in scent leaves and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Serve hot—enjoy alone or with boiled yams, rice, or agidi.

3. Vegetable Yam Porridge (Asaro) with Scent Leaf

This one-pot comfort food gets a major flavor upgrade from scent leaf.

Image from: ChefLolaskitchen

Ingredients

• 1 small tuber yam, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups scent leaf, washed and chopped
• 1/4 cup palm oil
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or blended)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 scotch bonnets, chopped
• 1/2 cup smoked fish or prawns (optional)
• 2 teaspoons ground crayfish
• Seasoning cubes, salt, to taste
• 3 cups water (add more if needed)

Ingredients available to shop at L'Afrique Market

Instructions

1. Add yam cubes, tomatoes, onion, peppers, and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil.
2. Add palm oil, crayfish, smoked fish/prawns, seasoning cubes, and salt.
3. Cook on low heat until yam is soft and a thick porridge forms (about 25 minutes).
4. Stir in chopped scent leaf and let simmer for 3–5 minutes until vibrant and aromatic.
5. Serve hot—this hearty, nourishing porridge is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Why You Should Cook With Scent Leaf

• Natural immune booster: Contains vital antioxidants and has been used in herbal remedies for generations.
• Fresh, bold flavor: Instantly lifts soups, stews, and porridges.
• Readily available: Find fresh scent leaf (efirin) at L’Afrique Market and most African grocery stores.

Give these recipes a try, shop organically sourced ingredients for L'Afrique Market, and bring new life to your favorite Nigerian classics. Cooking with scent leaf is a delicious way to enjoy the taste of tradition—right in your own kitchen!