Fish Calulu I

Fish Calulu I Recipe - Traditional Angolan Dish

Region / culture: Angola | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Fish Calulu is a traditional Angolan dish that is rich in flavor and history. This hearty stew is made with a combination of fish, prawns, vegetables, and spices, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Fish Calulu has been a staple in Angolan cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated from the Kongo people, who are known for their use of palm oil and okra in their cooking. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile and popular dish in Angola.

Ingredients

1 kg of grouper
500 g of Peeled prawns
2 tomatoes
40 g of flour
4 okra fruits
1 dcl of palm oil
3 aubergines
2 onions
1 Small Sprig of marjoram
1 laurel leaf
water
peppercorns
Ossame
salt
Malaguetta Chilli pepper

How to prepare

Slice the fish into large steaks.
In a saucepan, combine the chopped onions, palm oil, sliced aubergines (without skin), chopped okra, peeled and deseeded tomatoes, crushed pepper and ossame, laurel leaf, marjoram, salt, crushed malaguetta chilli, fish, and prawns.
Add enough water to cover all the contents of the saucepan and cook.
Once cooked, dissolve the flour in a small amount of water and add it to the saucepan to thicken the dish.
Serve with banana pap (porridge).

Variations

Substitute the grouper with another type of white fish, such as cod or haddock.
Add additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use coconut milk instead of palm oil for a creamy and tropical twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the fish into large steaks to ensure that it cooks evenly in the stew.

- Dissolve the flour in a small amount of water before adding it to the stew to prevent lumps from forming.

- Adjust the amount of malaguetta chilli pepper to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Fish Calulu is traditionally served with banana pap (porridge) or rice. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to cook the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to develop and the fish to cook through.

- Stir the stew occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find grouper, you can use any firm white fish, such as snapper or tilapia.

- Substitute okra with green beans or zucchini if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

Fish Calulu can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the stew on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Fish Calulu in a large bowl with a side of banana pap and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. You can also sprinkle some crushed malaguetta chilli pepper on top for an extra kick of spice.

Pairing Recommendations

Fish Calulu pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. You can also enjoy it with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Fish Calulu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fish Calulu contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal option.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in Fish Calulu mainly come from the vegetables and flour used to thicken the stew. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in Fish Calulu primarily come from the palm oil used in the cooking process. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Fish Calulu is a protein-rich dish, thanks to the grouper and prawns used in the recipe. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fish Calulu is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Fish Calulu contains seafood (fish and prawns) and may not be suitable for individuals with seafood allergies. It is important to check for allergens before consuming this dish.

Summary

Overall, Fish Calulu is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Summary

Fish Calulu is a delicious and nutritious Angolan stew that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With a rich blend of flavors and a hearty mix of ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the taste of Angola with this traditional recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Fish Calulu. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Angola. My grandmother, who was known throughout the village for her incredible cooking skills, had invited me into her kitchen to watch her prepare this traditional dish.

As I watched her chop the vegetables, season the fish, and simmer everything together in a big pot, I was mesmerized by the way she moved with such grace and confidence. It was as if she was conducting a symphony, each ingredient playing its own unique part in creating a harmonious and delicious meal.

I asked her where she had learned to make Fish Calulu, and she smiled as she told me the story. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through our family for generations, originating from a distant relative who had traveled to Angola from Portugal many years ago.

According to my grandmother, this relative had brought with him a love for cooking and a passion for sharing his culinary creations with others. He had spent years perfecting the recipe for Fish Calulu, adjusting and refining it until it was just right.

As she stirred the pot, my grandmother told me about the first time she had tasted Fish Calulu as a young girl. She had been skeptical at first, unsure of the combination of flavors and ingredients. But one bite was all it took to change her mind. The dish was a revelation, a perfect blend of savory fish, aromatic spices, and tender vegetables.

From that moment on, my grandmother was hooked. She begged her relative to teach her how to make Fish Calulu, and he graciously agreed. Together, they spent hours in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, and tasting until they had perfected the recipe.

As I listened to her story, I felt a deep connection to my family's culinary heritage. I knew that I wanted to carry on the tradition, to learn how to make Fish Calulu just like my grandmother had.

After that day, I spent every spare moment in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching and learning as she cooked. I helped her chop vegetables, season fish, and stir the pot, absorbing every detail of the process.

Eventually, she entrusted me with the responsibility of making Fish Calulu on my own. I was nervous at first, afraid of making a mistake and ruining the dish. But my grandmother reassured me, reminding me that cooking is an art, and that mistakes are just part of the learning process.

With her guidance and support, I made my first batch of Fish Calulu. As I stirred the pot, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. The aroma of the simmering stew filled the kitchen, and I knew that I had done it right.

When my grandmother tasted the dish, her eyes lit up with delight. She hugged me tightly, telling me how proud she was of my cooking skills. From that day on, I became the official Fish Calulu maker in our family, carrying on the tradition that had been handed down through generations.

To this day, whenever I make Fish Calulu, I think of my grandmother and the love and dedication she poured into teaching me this recipe. I cherish the memories of those days spent in the kitchen with her, learning the secrets of our family's culinary heritage.

And as I serve the steaming bowl of Fish Calulu to my own family and friends, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that will continue to bring joy and nourishment for years to come. Cooking this dish is not just about following a recipe - it is about honoring my family's past, celebrating our cultural heritage, and sharing the gift of delicious food with those I love.