Caldo de Peixe Guineense
A hearty and flavorful fish stew, a staple along the coast of Guinea-Bissau, showcasing the nation's abundant seafood. It's typically made with palm oil, peppers, and rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Assorted fish(cut into pieces (e.g., sea bream, sea bass))
- 1/2 cup Palm oil(or vegetable oil)
- 2 medium Onions(sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 1 Chili pepper (piri-piri)(to taste, optional)
- 90 g Rice
- 1.5 liters Water
- to taste Salt
- 1 Chicken bouillon cube(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Clean the fish pieces and rinse them. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Using a mix of firm white fish is recommended. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, and chili pepper (if using). Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 4
Add the fish pieces to the pot and gently fry for about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to break the fish.
- 5
Pour in the water, add the rice, salt, and bouillon cube (if using). Bring the stew to a boil.
💡 Tip: Rinsing the rice before adding can help prevent it from becoming too mushy. - 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the fish is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- 7
Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This stew is often served with a side of crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, high-quality fish for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili to control the spice level.
- ✓Palm oil adds a distinct flavor, but vegetable oil can be substituted.
🔄 Variations
- Add other seafood like shrimp or mussels.
- Incorporate other vegetables like okra or yams.