Discover the Essence of Cape Verde: Cachupa Recipe

Welcome to a culinary journey that takes you to the enchanting islands of Cape Verde. Today, we’re diving into the heart of Cape Verdean cuisine with a traditional dish called Cachupa. It’s not just a meal; it’s a piece of Cape Verde’s culture. Join me as we explore the flavors, history, and secrets behind this beloved recipe.

Cachupa Rica (Cape Verde) Recipe

Cachupa Rica (Cape Verde) Recipe

The preparation can be an authentic ritual, starting the day before with the placing of hominy and beans in warm water. Yams, chicken and sausages, bay leaves, and sweet potatoes, and other ingredients that give life to this recipe.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main dishes

Cuisine: African

Keyword: Cachupa, Cachupa cape verde

CookingStyle: Simmering

Prep Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes

5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 3 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 1125kcal

Author: Kelly Atkinson

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Equipment

pot

pan

Ingredients

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• 5 cups hominy (soak overnight in warm water)
• Olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves peel and dice
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 cup dried lima beans soak overnight in warm water
• 1 cup dried kidney beans soak overnight in warm water
• 2 lbs beef you can substitute with pork spareribs
• 1 blood sausage sliced
• 2 lbs cabbage or kale chop roughly
• 1 cup fresh green beans
• 1 chourico or linguica sausage sliced finely
• ¼ lbs lean bacon sliced finely
• 2 lbs plantains peel and slice
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes peel and dice 1-inch
• 2 lbs yams peel and dice 1-inch
• 2 lbs fresh tomatoes quartered
• 2 lbs squash peel and dice 1-inch
• 1 lbs chicken cut into chunks
• Pepper and salt to taste
• Cilantro chopped
• Sofrito seasoning Fried onion, garlic, and tomato used as a base for cooking sauces and dishes

Instructions

• Combine 6 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, onion, and bay leaves in a saucepan. Allow it to boil. Add the hominy and the beans. Cook until they are slightly tender.
• Fry the ribs, the chouriço or the linguiça, the bacon, and the blood sausage in a separate pan and then add the green beans, the plantains, the cabbage, the sweet potatoes, the yam, and the squash. Stir thoroughly and put it aside.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper and fry in a pan with olive oil until golden brown. Add the tomatoes and the mixture of meat and vegetables to the Hominy and beans mixture. Simmer over medium heat for 40 minutes. Add the sofrito as you like and let it cook for another 20 minutes. Turn the heat off and leave it covered for at least 30 minutes.
• Put the meat and vegetables on the plate. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve the main dish in a separate plate.
• Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Cachupa is time-consuming to prepare, so you should plan to cook this dish a day in advance.

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Nutrition

Calories: 1125kcal | Carbohydrates: 161g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 1027mg | Potassium: 3877mg | Fiber: 28g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 30814IU | Vitamin C: 129mg | Calcium: 250mg | Iron: 10mg

© Food And Meal

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

Alternative Method: Pressure Cooker Cachupa

Ingredients:

• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup hominy corn
• 1 cup kidney beans
• 1/2 lb pork, cubed
• 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, sliced
• 1/2 lb chicken thighs, bone-in
• 1/2 lb pumpkin, diced
• 1/2 lb sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups water
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Hot sauce, for serving

Instructions:

• Begin by sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil using the sauté function of your pressure cooker until they’re translucent.
• Add the pork, chicken, and chorizo to the pot. Sear the meat until it’s browned on all sides. This step enhances the depth of flavor.
• Stir in the paprika and cumin, allowing the spices to bloom for a minute.
• Add the corn kernels, hominy, kidney beans, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes into the pressure cooker.
• Pour in the water and season everything with salt and pepper.
• Secure the lid of your pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook for approximately 20 minutes.
• Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure carefully, and open the lid.
• Check the consistency and add more water if needed. Cachupa should have a thick, stew-like texture.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.

Tips for making Cachupa

Cooking Tips

• Soak the Corn and Beans: If using dried corn and beans, soak them overnight. This reduces cooking time and ensures they cook evenly.
• Layer Ingredients: In a traditional Cachupa, ingredients are layered to create distinct flavors. Start with meats and slowly add vegetables, allowing them to simmer together.
• Low and Slow: For the stovetop method, be patient. Cachupa requires slow simmering for the best flavors. Don’t rush the process.
• Balance Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings. It’s all about achieving the perfect balance of salt, spices, and textures.
• Use a Heavy Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly, preventing ingredients from sticking to the bottom.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnishes: Top your Cachupa with fresh cilantro, chopped scallions, or a drizzle of olive oil for a burst of flavor and color.
• Hot Sauce: Cape Verdeans love their pimenta (hot sauce). Serve some on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Bread: Enjoy Cachupa with traditional cornbread or crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: A simple tomato and cucumber salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing side to complement the dish.
• Corn on the Cob: Add whole corn cobs to your Cachupa for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

FAQs about Cachupa

• Can I make Cachupa in advance? Yes, Cachupa tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• What if I can’t find some traditional ingredients? You can adapt by using similar ingredients; the key is the slow cooking process.
• Can I freeze Cachupa? Yes, you can freeze Cachupa for up to three months. Thaw and reheat gently.
• Is Cachupa a gluten-free dish? Yes, Cachupa is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your ingredients are not cross-contaminated.
• How can I reheat Cachupa without overcooking it? Reheat Cachupa slowly on the stovetop with a little extra water to maintain its texture.

Explore the rich flavors of Cape Verde with our Cachupa recipe. Your culinary adventure begins here! Don’t miss out.

Kelly Atkinson

Head of Sales for Hospitality Supplies at Hana Hotel Travel Company Limited

I'm Kelly Atkinson, with a passion for dissecting the world of home goods. My reviews stem from thorough testing and a love for sharing detailed insights. Each piece I write offers a glimpse into my explorative journey, aiming to guide readers to informed choices with authenticity and precision, making every review a blend of exploration and expertise.