Due to the ongoing protests in Nigeria, prices of most foodstuffs, especially tomatoes have doubled, if not tripled.

In some markets, tomatoes are scarce, including the fresh ones, because all roads for transportation of goods have been blocked. If you're chanced to see fresh tomatoes, you can purchase as high as #200 for four seeds or even less.

Don't panic, because I've discovered a good alternative to tomatoes. It is no other fruit than pawpaw.

Pawpaw also known as Papaya is a tropical fruit and it has great benefits to the body. It's both good for the eyes, skin and body. It's best eaten raw, because it gives more nutrients. So, before cutting the ones for your stew, make sure you've eaten a substantial amount raw to get the complete benefits.

Did you know that this fruit can be used in preparing delicious stew? Learn and cook it yourself.

Health benefits of Pawpaw stew.

It’s a good source of fibre, which helps bring down cholesterol.

It’s rich in antioxidants, Vitamins B and C, carotenes, flavonoids, and minerals including potassium and magnesium for body development.

Ingredients you'll need:

1 medium-sized unriped Pawpaw (look for the firm and crunchy ones, don't use over-ripe ones, for a better taste.

Smoked Fish or Cooked Meat (any of preference)

Fresh Tomatoes

Can Tomato (optional)

1 medium sized Onion

2 cloves of garlic

Ginger (quantity of choice)

Hot pepper

Cooking oil( any of preference)

Seasoning powder/cubes

Salt

Shrimp powder (if preferred)

Curry powder (if preferred)

NB: Photos used for illustrative purposes only.

Method

Wash, peel pawpaw and cut it into pieces (remove seeds).

NB: If you don't want to include much pawpaw, buy as much fresh tomatoes as you can afford, or better still, you can cook without including tomatoes at all.

Pour inside a saucepan (the cut pawpaw), add water and boil for 15-20mins until soft.

Blend it and set aside.

Wash and cut onion, garlic, ginger and pepper in pieces. Blend them.

Heat oil and pour blended onion,garlic, ginger and pepper. Allow it to cook until it thickens.

Add can tomato and cook for 2-5mins then add fresh tomatoes.

Add smoked fish or cooked meat. Add seasoning cube/powder or shrimp powder(if preferred) and curry powder. Allow it to simmer for 5-10mins.

Add your blended pawpaw and salt to taste. Let it cook for 10mins(until you see oil on top of stew).

Trust me, you'll be amazed at the outcome. So delish!!

Serve Pawpaw stew with Rice or Yam. Enjoy!!!

Have you ever tried this recipe before? Leave you comments below.