Matapa de Peixe com Amendoim
A rich and flavorful stew featuring white fish cooked with cassava leaves (matapa), ground peanuts, coconut milk, and aromatic spices. This dish is a staple in Mozambican cuisine, showcasing the harmonious blend of seafood, earthy greens, and the nutty richness of peanuts.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g White fish fillets(such as tilapia or hake, cut into chunks)
- 400 g Cassava leaves(fresh or frozen, finely chopped (or spinach as a substitute))
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 150 g Ground peanuts(or smooth peanut butter)
- 200 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Piri-piri sauce(or to taste (optional))
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to break down.
- 3
Add the ground peanuts (or peanut butter) to the pot. Stir well to combine with the tomato mixture. If using peanut butter, you might need to add a splash of water to help it blend.
- 4
Pour in the coconut milk and stir until the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 5
Add the finely chopped cassava leaves (or spinach) to the pot. Stir them into the sauce until they begin to wilt.
- 6
Gently add the fish chunks to the stew. Season with salt, black pepper, and piri-piri sauce (if using). Stir gently to coat the fish.
- 7
Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Stir occasionally.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, typically with rice or xima.
💡 Tip: If cassava leaves are unavailable, spinach or other leafy greens can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato and onion mixture before adding the other ingredients.
- ✓Adjust the amount of piri-piri sauce to control the spice level.
- ✓Ensure the fish is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain its texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or sweet potatoes.
- For a richer flavor, a small amount of smoked fish can be added along with the white fish.