Caldo de Peixe à Moda da Boa Vista (Cape Verdean Fish, Green Banana, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Broth) – Authentic Cabo Verde Recipe

Ingredients for Caldo de Peixe à Moda da Boa Vista (Cape Verdean Fish, Green Banana, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Broth) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) thick tuna or snapper steaks, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups green plantains/bananas, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup orange sweet potatoes
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with bay leaf
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Cabo Verde seasoning (garlic, cilantro, tomato-onion sofrito, lime)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and bay leaf for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in garlic, cilantro, tomato-onion sofrito, lime and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Cabo Verde's kitchen.
3. Add thick tuna or snapper steaks and green plantains/bananas, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
4. Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
5. Fold in orange sweet potatoes, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.