Calulu de Peixe Angolano
A rich and flavorful Angolan fish stew, Calulu de Peixe is a hearty dish featuring a medley of vegetables, dried and fresh fish, and the distinctive flavor of red palm oil. It's a staple in Angolan cuisine, often served with funge.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Dried fish (e.g., cod or mackerel)(rinsed and soaked)
- 500 g Fresh white fish fillets (e.g., tilapia or grouper)(cut into chunks)
- 150 ml Red palm oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 200 g Okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 150 g Sweet potato leaves or spinach(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet or chili pepper(finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste))
- 2 Bay leaves
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- as needed Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried fish thoroughly and soak it in boiling water for 20 minutes. Drain and repeat with fresh boiling water for another hour. Skin and debone the fish, then cut into manageable pieces.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the red palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, and scotch bonnet (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 4
Layer the pot with the prepared dried fish, fresh fish chunks, okra, sweet potato leaves (or spinach), and bay leaves.
- 5
Pour in enough water to just cover the ingredients. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the fish is tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally, adding more water if the stew becomes too dry.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, traditionally with funge (a cassava flour porridge).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the dried fish is crucial to remove excess salt and rehydrate it.
- ✓Red palm oil is traditional and provides a unique color and flavor, but can be substituted with vegetable oil if unavailable.
- ✓The stew can be made vegetarian by omitting the fish and using extra vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.
🔄 Variations
- Add dried shrimp for an extra layer of seafood flavor.
- Incorporate other leafy greens like collard greens or kale.
- A touch of ground cumin can be added for an earthy note.