Modje de São Nicolau (Cape Verdean Goat Stew)
A rich and hearty stew originating from the island of São Nicolau, traditionally made with goat meat and a variety of root vegetables. Variations can include lamb, beef, or chicken.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Goat meat(cut into stewing pieces, bone-in preferred)
- 0.5 kg Lamb meat(optional, cut into stewing pieces)
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 large Onions(sliced)
- 6 cloves Garlic(crushed)
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Salt(plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, plus more to taste)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 500 g Mandioca (yucca)(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Inhame (African yams)(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Squash(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 2 Green bananas(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 1.5 liters Water(or enough to cover)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice(for serving, optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the goat and lamb meat generously with paprika, crushed garlic, 1 tablespoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. For best flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned meat in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
- 3
Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the remaining crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Return the seared meat to the pot. Add the bay leaves, water, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- 5
Add the prepared mandioca, inhamé, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, squash, and green bananas to the pot. Ensure the vegetables are mostly submerged; add more water if necessary. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 6
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Marinating the meat overnight significantly enhances the flavor.
- ✓Ensure the root vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- ✓If goat meat is unavailable, lamb or beef can be used as substitutes.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or a sprig of thyme for extra aromatic depth.
- For a spicier stew, add a chopped hot pepper along with the onions and garlic.