In Nigerian stew, not all meat is created equal. There is a hierarchy. The liver is premium—reserved for the father or the favorite child. The kidney is exotic. The beef is standard. The chicken is for visitors. The tripe (shaki) is for those who appreciate texture. The boiled egg floating in stew is the wildcard. The politics of meat distribution at dinner is a masterclass in family dynamics. Who gets the biggest piece? Who gets the bone with some meat left? Who gets the "back" piece that is mostly fat? The mother's hand as she serves is not random; it is a statement. And the hidden pieces! Some mothers bury the best meat at the bottom of the pot, to be discovered by the person who dares to dig. It's a reward for bravery. Or a trap for greed. What is your rank in the family meat hierarchy? And which piece of meat do you fight for in Nigerian stew?
