Calulu Recipe

Network Food
@foodnetwork
2 months ago

Calulu is a traditional Angolan and São Toméan dish, often made with fish or meat and vegetables like spinach or cassava leaves. It is a flavorful, hearty stew with African and Portuguese influences. Here's a basic recipe for Fish Calulu, one of the most popular variations.

Ingredients**:
- **Fish** (typically dried or fresh fish like cod, mackerel, or grouper) – 500g
- **Cassava leaves** or **spinach** – 500g (you can also mix in okra for extra texture)
- **Onion** – 2 large, chopped
- **Tomatoes** – 4, diced
- **Garlic** – 4 cloves, minced
- **Palm oil** – 3 tablespoons (authentic palm oil is often used, but you can substitute with olive oil if needed)
- **Okra** – 200g (optional, chopped)
- **Sweet potatoes** – 2, peeled and cut into cubes
- **Eggplant** – 1 large, diced
- **Bay leaves** – 2
- **Smoked fish or dried fish** – 100g (optional for more depth of flavor)
- **Water or fish stock** – 1 to 2 cups (enough to simmer the stew)
- Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions**:

1. **Prepare the Fish**:
- If using dried fish, soak it in water for a few hours to remove excess salt and soften it.
- For fresh fish, clean and season with salt, pepper, and a little garlic. Set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce-like consistency.
- Add the cassava leaves or spinach (and okra if using), and cook for about 10 minutes until the greens begin to wilt.

3. Add the Fish
- Add the fresh fish (and smoked or dried fish if using) into the pot along with the sweet potatoes and eggplant.
- Add the bay leaves and pour in the water or fish stock. Simmer gently on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

4. Season and Serve
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and taste the stew for balance.
- Once everything is tender, remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions
- **Fish Calulu** is often served with funge (a starchy side dish made from cassava or corn flour) or rice
- You can also enjoy it with a side of plantains or boiled yams for a more filling meal.

This rich, flavorful dish captures the essence of traditional Angolan and São Toméan cuisine, combining the freshness of fish with earthy vegetables and the richness of palm oil. #Food #NircleFoods #Foodies

Photos: Photos belong to respective owners