Welcome to the vibrant culinary world of Cape Verde, where the rich flavors of Africa blend with European influences to create a tapestry of taste that is truly unique. Among the myriad of delectable dishes this archipelago nation has to offer, one stands out for its exquisite fusion of spices and seafood: Caril de Peixe, or Fish Curry.

Originating from the Cape Verdean islands nestled in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa, Caril de Peixe reflects the diverse cultural heritage of the region. With its aromatic spices, fresh fish, and creamy coconut milk, this dish tantalizes the taste buds and transports you to the sun-soaked shores of this tropical paradise.

In this recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to recreate the authentic flavors of Cape Verde in your own kitchen. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to discover the tantalizing tastes of Caril de Peixe.

Ingredients:

• 500g of fresh fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or grouper), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (400ml) of coconut milk
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1- In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

2- Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are aromatic.

3- Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine with the spices. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4- Add the chopped tomatoes and diced bell pepper to the skillet, stirring to incorporate. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften slightly.

5- Carefully add the fish pieces to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the curry sauce. Let the fish cook in the simmering sauce for about 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

6- Once the fish is cooked, squeeze the lime juice over the curry and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.

7- Serve the Cape Verdean Caril de Peixe hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. This delicious fish curry pairs perfectly with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy the aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk in every bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Cape Verde Caril de Peixe recipe per serving:

Fresh fish fillets (500g):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 70g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
• Rich in antioxidants, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• High in antioxidants, such as quercetin, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that promote gut health.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Known for its immune-boosting properties due to its high content of sulfur compounds.
• May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Ground cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
• Some studies suggest it may have antimicrobial properties.

Ground coriander (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C, which supports immune function.
• Contains antimicrobial compounds that may help fight infections.

Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound with numerous health benefits.
• May help improve brain function and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Good source of vitamin A, which is essential for vision health and immune function.
• Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.

Chili powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which has been shown to increase metabolism and reduce appetite.
• May have pain-relieving properties and help improve circulation.

Coconut milk (1 can - 400ml):

• Calories: 960 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 96g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digestible and provide a quick source of energy.
• Contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

Tomatoes (2 medium):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help protect against cellular damage.
• Rich in lycopene, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health.

Bell pepper (1 medium):

• Calories: 25 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
• Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Lime juice (Juice of 1 lime):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes skin health.
• Contains citric acid, which may aid digestion and prevent kidney stones.

Salt and pepper: Negligible in terms of calories and macronutrients.

Fresh cilantro leaves: Negligible in terms of calories and macronutrients.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific ingredients used and cooking methods.