Rich Cachupa

Rich Cachupa Recipe from Cape Verde | Ingredients and Preparation

Region / culture: Cape Verde | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rich Cachupa is a traditional Cape Verdean dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish is made with a variety of ingredients including maize, beans, beef, pig's trotters, bacon, and smoked sausages, all cooked together to create a rich and satisfying meal.

History

Cachupa is a dish that has been enjoyed in Cape Verde for generations. It is a staple in Cape Verdean cuisine and is often served at special occasions and family gatherings. The dish has evolved over time, with different regions and families adding their own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

4 cups of maize
200 g of beans
200 g of beef
300 g of pig's trotters
200 g of bacon
2 large potatoes
4 smoked spicy sausages
2 cassava roots
2 sweet potatoes
200 g of cabbage
2 onions
2 laurel leaves
2 cloves of garlic
olive oil (to taste)
a pinch of salt and pepper

How to prepare

Place the beef (cut into small pieces), bacon, pig’s trotters, and smoked sausages in a saucepan. Season with salt, pepper, and a stock cube (if desired).
In a separate pressure cooker, combine the maize, beans, onions, olive oil, salt, and laurel leaves. Cover with water and cook for 30 minutes.
Transfer the cooked beans and maize to a larger saucepan. Add water and bring to a boil. Then, add the contents of the first pan (the meat).
When everything is almost cooked, add the potatoes and cabbage. Cook until done, then remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. It is now ready to be served.

Note

The rich ‘cachupa’ is best enjoyed with a liquid sauce. If you refrigerate it overnight, the ‘cachupa’ will thicken. The next morning, you can fry the cachupa with butter and have it for breakfast.

Variations

Add seafood such as shrimp or fish for a different twist on this traditional dish.
Use different types of beans or vegetables to customize the recipe to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the beans overnight before cooking to help them cook more evenly and quickly.

- Use a pressure cooker to cook the maize and beans to save time and ensure they are cooked through.

- Add the potatoes and cabbage towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Rich Cachupa is traditionally served with a side of hot sauce or pickled vegetables for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Use a pressure cooker to cook the maize and beans quickly and efficiently.

- Simmer the meat and beans together to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.

- Substitute different types of sausage or bacon for a unique flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Rich Cachupa can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Rich Cachupa in a large bowl with a side of hot sauce and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Rich Cachupa pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to complement the hearty flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Rich Cachupa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rich Cachupa contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rich Cachupa contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rich Cachupa contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Rich Cachupa contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Rich Cachupa is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Rich Cachupa contains pork products and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Rich Cachupa is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rich Cachupa is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. With a mix of meats, beans, and vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Enjoy this traditional Cape Verdean dish with friends and family for a memorable meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Rich Cachupa. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Sao Miguel in Cape Verde. I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking, watching my mother and grandmother create delicious meals from simple ingredients.

One day, a distant relative from the neighboring island of Santo Antao came to visit us. She brought with her a special recipe for Rich Cachupa, a traditional dish that is beloved in Cape Verde. As soon as I saw the ingredients and read through the steps, I knew that I had to learn how to make it.

My relative, Maria, was kind enough to teach me how to make the dish. She patiently guided me through each step, from preparing the beans and vegetables to cooking the meat and adding the spices. I watched in awe as she transformed these humble ingredients into a rich and flavorful stew that filled our home with a mouthwatering aroma.

As I helped Maria cook the Rich Cachupa, she told me stories of her own childhood and the memories she had of learning to cook from her own grandmother. She explained the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together to create a truly delicious dish.

After hours of simmering on the stove, the Rich Cachupa was finally ready. Maria ladled out steaming bowls for each of us, and we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The dish was everything I had hoped for and more – hearty, savory, and bursting with flavor.

From that day on, Rich Cachupa became a regular fixture in my family's meals. I would make it for special occasions, and sometimes just to bring a taste of home to my own kitchen. As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Rich Cachupa with friends and family, passing down the tradition from generation to generation. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that first day in my mother's kitchen, watching Maria work her magic and feeling that sense of wonder at the art of cooking.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take pride in teaching my own grandchildren how to make Rich Cachupa. I pass on the knowledge and love that was given to me so many years ago, hoping that one day they too will feel that same sense of wonder and joy in the kitchen.

And so, the legacy of Rich Cachupa lives on in our family, a symbol of tradition, love, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those we hold dear.