Tapado Garifuna
A hearty and aromatic seafood soup originating from the Garifuna communities along Guatemala's Caribbean coast. It features a rich coconut milk broth filled with various types of fish, plantains, yucca, and aromatic herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 4 cups Fish broth or water
- 500 g Firm white fish fillets(such as snapper or cod, cut into chunks)
- 200 g Shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 2 medium Green plantains(peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 300 g Yucca (cassava)(peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 small Bell pepper(red or green, chopped)
- 0.5 cup Cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(optional, whole or slit for mild heat)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, combine the coconut milk and fish broth (or water). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
💡 Tip: Do not boil vigorously. - 2
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- 3
Add the plantain and yucca pieces to the simmering broth. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the plantains and yucca are tender.
💡 Tip: The yucca should be easily pierced with a fork. - 4
Gently add the fish chunks and shrimp to the pot. If using, add the whole or slit Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcooking the seafood. - 5
Stir in the chopped cilantro. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving if you prefer less heat. - 6
Ladle the Tapado into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of seafood and vegetables. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, good-quality seafood for the best flavor.
- ✓If you can't find yucca, you can substitute with potatoes, though the texture will be different.
- ✓For a spicier version, finely chop the Scotch bonnet pepper and add it to the soup.
🔄 Variations
- Add other seafood like mussels or clams.
- Include chunks of sweet potato along with the plantain and yucca.