Soô de Matabala (São Tomé Taro and Fish Soup)
Local name: Soô de matabala
In short: A thick soup of taro and firm fish simmered with palm oil, tomato, onion and chili, topped with cassava flour. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 420 kcal
Soô de matabala is a thick soup of taro, fish and palm oil from São Tomé and Príncipe. Matabala is the local taro, a starchy tuber that breaks down as it cooks and thickens the broth without any flour. Fish, onion, tomato and chili give the soup its savory depth, and a sprinkle of cassava flour on top adds texture. It is a warming, filling meal and a good way to try taro for the first time.
Instructions
- Season the fish with 1/2 tsp of the salt and keep it in the fridge.
- Heat the palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic for 1 minute, then the tomatoes for 5 minutes, until pulpy.
- Add the taro, water, whole chili and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 25 minutes, until the taro is very soft.
- Crush about a third of the taro against the side of the pot with a spoon, so the soup turns thick and creamy.
- Add the fish and simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, until opaque and flaking (63°C/145°F).
- Taste and adjust the salt. Serve in deep bowls with cassava flour sprinkled over the top, or with rice.
Tips
- Taro can irritate bare skin, so wear gloves or rinse your hands often while peeling. It must be cooked until completely soft before eating.
- No taro? Use a mix of yam and potato. The soup will be less sticky but still thick.
Questions and answers
What is matabala?
Matabala is the São Tomé name for taro, a starchy root with a nutty flavor and a slightly sticky texture. It is also sold as cocoyam or dasheen.
Can I make soô de matabala ahead?
Yes. The soup keeps for 3 days in the fridge and thickens as it stands. Reheat with a splash of water.
Can I use smoked fish?
Yes. Replace half the fresh fish with 150 g (5 oz) flaked smoked fish and add it with the taro for a deeper, smokier flavor.
How long does it take to make Soô de Matabala (São Tomé Taro and Fish Soup)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Soô de Matabala (São Tomé Taro and Fish Soup)?
About 420 kcal per serving, with 27 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 420 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
