Calulu de Gambas
A flavorful stew featuring shrimp (gambas) cooked with a medley of vegetables and palm oil, a staple in São Tomé and Príncipe cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Large Shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 1 dl Red Palm Oil(or vegetable oil)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(ripe, chopped)
- 200 g Okra(fresh, sliced)
- 1 bunch Spinach(washed and chopped)
- 2 small Chili Peppers(to taste, finely chopped)
- Salt(to taste)
- 2 cups Water(approximately)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the red palm oil in a large pot over medium heat.
💡 Tip: Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking. - 2
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes and chili peppers to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Add the sliced okra and chopped spinach to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and tomato mixture.
💡 Tip: The spinach will wilt down as it cooks. - 5
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate them into the vegetable mixture.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they will cook quickly. - 6
Pour in approximately 2 cups of water, or enough to create a stew consistency. Season with salt to taste.
💡 Tip: Start with less water and add more if needed to achieve desired thickness. - 7
Cover the pot and let the calulu simmer on low heat for about 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Calulu is traditionally served with rice or funge (a cornmeal porridge).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If red palm oil is unavailable, vegetable oil can be used, but it will alter the authentic flavor profile.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preferred level of spice.
- ✓Ensure the shrimp are fresh for the best flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other local vegetables like eggplant or pumpkin.
- For a richer flavor, a small piece of dried fish can be added along with the shrimp.