Arroz de Marisco Guineense
A flavorful one-pot rice dish brimming with fresh seafood, infused with the aromatic spices and palm oil characteristic of Guinea-Bissau's coastal cuisine. This dish is a celebration of the abundant Atlantic catch, blended with local produce and Portuguese influences.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-grain rice
- 700 g Mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, firm white fish)(cleaned and prepped)
- 4 tbsp Palm oil
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 1 Red bell pepper(deseeded and chopped)
- 1 Green bell pepper(deseeded and chopped)
- 1 Chili pepper (e.g., malagueta or serrano)(finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth or fish stock
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- for serving Lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside. If using mussels or clams, scrub them clean and debeard mussels.
- 2
Heat the palm oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and chili pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, coriander powder, and thyme. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 5
Pour in the vegetable broth or fish stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 6
Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring well to ensure each grain is coated in the sauce. Bring back to a gentle simmer.
- 7
Arrange the mixed seafood evenly over the rice. Cover the pot tightly with a lid (you can use foil under the lid to create a better seal). Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the seafood is done. Avoid stirring during this time to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- 8
Once cooked, let the pot rest, covered, off the heat for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb any remaining liquid.
- 9
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your seafood is fresh for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓Do not overcook the seafood; it will cook in the residual heat of the rice.
- ✓Palm oil adds a distinct flavor and color; if unavailable, a neutral oil like vegetable or canola can be used, but the authentic taste will be altered.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like peas or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Use only one type of seafood if preferred, such as shrimp or fish.
- For a richer flavor, a splash of white wine can be added with the broth.