Calulu de Peixe (Angolan Fish and Okra Stew)
Local name: Calulu de peixe
In short: Smoked fish and fresh fish simmered with okra, tomato, onion and spinach in red palm oil, served with funge to soak up the broth. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Calulu is one of Angola's great one-pot stews, built in layers: smoked fish, fresh fish, okra, tomato, onion, leafy greens and red palm oil, all simmered slowly so the flavors melt together. Cooks vary the greens and the fish from house to house. It is eaten with funge, and the broth is mopped up with the porridge. The smoked fish gives the stew its deep savor.
Instructions
- Soak the smoked fish in hot water for 15 minutes. Drain, remove the skin and bones and break the flesh into chunks.
- Rub the fresh fish with half the garlic, the lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Set it aside.
- Heat the palm oil in a wide heavy pot over medium heat. Cook the onions for 6 minutes, add the remaining garlic for 1 minute, then the tomatoes for 5 minutes.
- Add the smoked fish, chili, water and remaining salt. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Lay the fresh fish and the okra on top. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes, without stirring, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily at 63°C (145°F).
- Scatter the spinach over the stew, cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted. Fold it in gently.
- Remove the chili, adjust the salt and serve hot with funge.
Tips
- Do not stir hard once the fresh fish goes in. Shake the pot gently instead, so the fish stays in large pieces.
- Sweet potato leaves, collard greens or cassava leaves are traditional alternatives to spinach, but need a longer cooking time.
Questions and answers
Can I make calulu without smoked fish?
Yes, but the flavor will be lighter. Add a spoonful of dried shrimp or a little extra salt, and use fresh fish only, adding it for the last 10 minutes.
What is the difference between calulu and muamba?
Calulu is a layered stew of fish, okra and leafy greens, while muamba is chicken stewed in palm oil with garlic and okra. Both are served with funge.
Can I make it ahead?
Make the base ahead and add the fresh fish and spinach when you reheat it. The base keeps for 3 days in the fridge.
How long does it take to make Calulu de Peixe (Angolan Fish and Okra Stew)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Calulu de Peixe (Angolan Fish and Okra Stew)?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 16 g of carbohydrates and 21 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
