Sacala de Peixe Angolano
A flavorful Angolan dish featuring fish cooked in a rich, savory sauce, often served with rice or funge. This recipe highlights the use of fresh fish and aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets (e.g., tilapia, cod)(cut into serving pieces)
- 4 tbsp Palm oil
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(diced (any color))
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 cups Water or fish broth
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the fish pieces with salt and black pepper.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes, bell pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 5
Pour in the water or fish broth, add the coriander powder and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 6
Gently place the seasoned fish pieces into the simmering sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged.
- 7
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Avoid stirring too much to prevent the fish from breaking apart.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 9
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper along with the onions.
- ✓If palm oil is unavailable, a neutral vegetable oil can be used, but it will alter the traditional flavor.
- ✓Serve with funge (a cornmeal or cassava porridge), white rice, or boiled cassava.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of drained black beans or kidney beans along with the liquid for a heartier dish.
- Include other vegetables like okra or spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking.