Caldo de Peixe com Legumes
A hearty and flavorful Cape Verdean fish stew, Caldo de Peixe combines tender chunks of white fish with a medley of root vegetables and aromatic seasonings in a rich, savory broth. It's a comforting and nutritious dish, showcasing the islands' fresh seafood and produce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs White fish fillets(such as cod, sea bass, or snapper, cut into 2-inch chunks)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onion(diced)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 large Bell pepper(any color, seeded and chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 lb Sweet potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 lb Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 lb Yuca (cassava)(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 lb Acorn squash(peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 8 cups Water or fish stock
- 2 Bay leaves
- 0.5 cup Cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Annatto powder(optional, for color)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the fish chunks with salt, pepper, paprika, and annatto powder (if using). Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to break down.
- 5
Add the cubed sweet potatoes, potatoes, yuca, and acorn squash to the pot. Pour in the water or fish stock, ensuring the vegetables are covered. Add the bay leaves.
- 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the root vegetables are tender.
- 7
Gently add the marinated fish chunks to the simmering stew. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Avoid over-stirring once the fish is added to prevent it from breaking apart. - 8
Stir in the chopped cilantro. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish. - 9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
💡 Tip: This stew is excellent served with crusty bread or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other vegetables like green beans or carrots if desired.
- ✓For a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- ✓If you don't have fish stock, water is a perfectly acceptable substitute.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of white wine to the sautéed vegetables for added depth of flavor.
- Incorporate other seafood like shrimp or mussels in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Some traditional recipes include green bananas or plantains for a different texture.