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São Toméan Calulu

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time25 minsCook Time45 minsTotal Time1 hr 10 mins

A rich São Toméan fish and vegetable stew with okra, leafy greens, and red palm oil.

São Toméan fish and vegetable stew with okra, leafy greens, and red palm oil

Ingredients
 8 oz smoked fish
 1 lb firm white fish fillets, cut into large pieces
 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
 3 tbsp red palm oil
 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
 8 oz okra, trimmed and sliced
 1 eggplant, diced
 6 cups sweet potato leaves or spinach, chopped
 2 cups water or unsalted fish stock
 1 bay leaf
 1 hot chile, left intact
 1 tsp fine salt, divided
 ½ tsp ground black pepper
Directions
1

Place the smoked fish in a bowl, cover with warm water, and soak for 10 minutes. Drain, remove any skin or bones, and break it into large flakes.

2

Season the fresh fish with the lime juice and half the salt. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

3

Heat the red palm oil in a wide heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.

4

Add the tomatoes, chile, bay leaf, and black pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes form a thick, fragrant sauce.

5

Stir in the okra and eggplant, then pour in the water. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 12 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

6

Add the leafy greens in batches, stirring until wilted. Fold in the smoked fish and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes so its flavor seasons the broth.

7

Nestle the fresh fish pieces into the stew without overcrowding. Cover partially and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.

8

Remove the bay leaf and whole chile. Taste, add the remaining salt as needed, and serve hot with rice, boiled plantains, breadfruit, or funge.

Notes

Traditional calulu varies by household and season. Sweet potato leaves are especially characteristic, but mature spinach is a practical substitute. Keep the stew at a gentle simmer after adding fresh fish so the pieces stay intact.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings

Serving size

1 1/2 cups

Amount per serving
Calories340
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g24%

Saturated Fat 7g35%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 82mg28%
Sodium 610mg27%
Total Carbohydrate 18g7%

Dietary Fiber 6g22%
Total Sugars 7g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 29g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.