Calulu de Coelho
A rich and savory stew featuring rabbit simmered with a medley of local vegetables and seasoned with palm oil and spices. This dish showcases the heartiness of Santomean cuisine, often prepared for special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Rabbit(cut into serving pieces)
- 1 cup Palm oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 250 g Okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 1 large Eggplant(diced)
- 300 g Spinach(washed and roughly chopped)
- 2 Chili peppers(to taste, finely chopped (optional))
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 cups Water(or as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the rabbit pieces generously with salt and black pepper.
- 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 and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the diced tomatoes and chopped chili peppers (if using) to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 5
Add the rabbit pieces to the pot and sear them on all sides until lightly browned.
- 6
Stir in the sliced okra and diced eggplant. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- 7
Add the chopped spinach and stir until it begins to wilt.
- 8
Pour in the water, ensuring the rabbit and vegetables are mostly submerged. Bring the stew to a simmer.
- 9
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rabbit is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 10
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce it.
- 11
Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by rice, funge (a cassava flour porridge), or bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the rabbit is well-browned for deeper flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your spice preference.
- ✓If palm oil is unavailable, a neutral vegetable oil can be used, though it will alter the authentic flavor profile.
🔄 Variations
- For a different protein, chicken or dried fish can be used, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Other local greens like 'mussua' or 'folha de maquê' can be incorporated if available.