When the topic of conversation is Cape Verdean food, the first word that comes to mind is Cachupa. But why? Cachupa is the best known traditional dish in Cape Verde.
And now you can find out everything about this local delicacy (including its recipe).
There is not just one way to make Cachupa. Even in a certain region of Cape Verde, each family will make Cachupa in their own way.
But the base of all Cachupa is similar, and then you can choose the ingredients that go with it, almost like a pizza.
What is Cachupa made of?
The base of Cachupa is corn and beans. It can also include other vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, carrots, etc. Cachupa rica, as it is called in Cape Verde, in addition to vegetables, can also include different types of meat or fish.
Why is it important in Cape Verdean culture?
Cachupa is a dish that practically everyone in Cape Verde makes. Cape Verdeans can eat a simpler version on a daily basis. On special occasions, they make a richer cachupa.
It is also a democratic dish. As its base is made up of ingredients that can be produced locally, almost everyone can have access to it, regardless of their economic power.
In addition, Cape Verdeans like to welcome their guests. And having a great Cachupa can be a way to share a nutritious and tasty dish that most people will love.
Cachupa is a dish that reflects the basic Cape Verdean diet, but at the same time also has cultural importance, being present in moments of union and conviviality.
What is part of Cachupa?
Well, we already talked about the fact that in every house you can find a different version of the dish. However, the rich and traditional version of the dish includes:
Corn
The corn that is normally used in Cape Verde for this dish is small, yellow or white corn. What they use is dried, not fresh.
beans
You can use different types of beans to make your cachupa. Locally they use Congo, Sapatinha, Black, Rock or Bongolon. (https://www.unicv.edu.cv/arquivo-noticias/5141-fao-produz-documentario-i-love-feijao-cabo-verde-com-participacao-de-docente-da-ecaa)
Meat
You can choose different types of meat to put in your cachupa. Normally, in Cape Verde, it can be a combination of pork, beef and chicken meat. They also use pork sausages.
Fish
Fish can be used alone or together with meat. Cape Verde is also known for its excellent fish varieties and flavors that local fishermen obtain directly from the sea. Mackerel and Tuna are very popular in Cape Verde.
Vegetables
Cabbage and carrots are some of the vegetables that are usually included in the dish. They can also be used alone or together with fish or meat. So, as you are vegetarian or vegan, you can also enjoy cachupa, made only with vegetables.
Although there are many ways to make a cachupa, here you can get a recipe for a rich Cachupa (with different types of meat or fish).
cachupa recipe
- 1 kg of corn
- 1 Kg of beans – congo, sapatinha, or in their absence red
- 150 g of pork bacon;
- Half Kg of pork rojões;
- Half Kg of cassava;
- Half kg of yam;
- Half kg of sweet potato;
- Cabbage;
- Cabbage;
- Onion;
- 2 sausages;
- 1 pepper;
- Bay leaves;
- Garlic cloves;
- chilli;
- Wine;
- Salt and Pepper q.b.
- Oil;
- Put the corn and beans in cold water to soften the day before
- Change the corn and beans to another water, seasoned with olive oil, onion and garlic and boil (about 2h30m)
- After the beans and corn are cooked, add the remaining vegetables and leave in the pan until the latter are well cooked.
- Make a stew with onions, garlic and olive oil, and add the meat (rojões, chorizo, bacon), previously seasoned with bay leaf, chilli, wine, salt and pepper.
- Add the vegetables to the stew, and let it simmer over low heat
Enjoy. Have a nice meal. And don’t forget to try this locally made dish when visiting Cape Verde.
