RecipesAngolaCalulu de Porco

Calulu de Porco

A rich and savory pork stew, Calulu de Porco is a hearty Angolan dish featuring tender pork simmered with vegetables in a flavorful sauce.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Calulu de Porco - Angola traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Pork shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
  • 2 medium Onions(chopped)
  • 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
  • 300 g Okra(sliced)
  • 200 g Spinach or Cassava Leaves (Fumbua/Kizaka)(chopped)
  • 0.5 cup Palm oil
  • 3 tbsp Peanut butter(smooth)
  • 2 cups Fish stock or water
  • 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
  • 1 optional Chili pepper(for heat)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Season the pork cubes with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the palm oil over medium-high heat.

    💡 Tip: Ensure the pot is large enough to hold all ingredients.
  2. 2

    Sear the pork cubes on all sides until browned. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.

  3. 3

    Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down. Stir in the sliced okra and chopped spinach or cassava leaves.

  5. 5

    Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the peanut butter and fish stock (or water). Stir well to combine.

    💡 Tip: If using dried cassava leaves, rehydrate them first.
  6. 6

    Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the pork is very tender.

    💡 Tip: Stir occasionally and add more liquid if the stew becomes too thick.
  7. 7

    Add a chili pepper if desired for extra heat. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

    💡 Tip: Traditionally served with funge or rice.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Using a combination of spinach and cassava leaves adds depth of flavor.
  • The longer the stew simmers, the more tender the pork will become.
  • Peanut butter adds a creamy, nutty richness characteristic of many Angolan stews.

🔄 Variations

  • Substitute pork with beef or dried meat.
  • Add other vegetables like eggplant or sweet potatoes.

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