Entree: Equatorial Guinea – National Cuisine – Caldo de Pescado (Hearty coastal fish soup made with firm white fish, tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and cassava)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 35 min

Total 50 min

Ingredients

- 4 fish fillets, firm white fish such as snapper or grouper, approx. 6 oz (170 g) each (total about 1.5 lb / 680 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) palm oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped (about 8 oz / 225 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 10 oz / 280 g)
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 6 oz / 170 g)
- 1 scotch bonnet or other hot pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
- 4 cups (960 ml) fish stock or water
- 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk (optional for richness)
- 1 medium cassava (yuca), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, about 10 oz (280 g)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp (5 g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions

1. Rinse fish fillets, pat dry, and season lightly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper; set aside.
2. Heat palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic, diced red pepper, and scotch bonnet (if using) and cook 2 minutes more until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and smoked paprika; cook until tomatoes begin to break down, about 4 minutes.
5. Pour in fish stock (or water) and coconut milk, add bay leaf, and bring to a simmer. Add cassava pieces, cover, and simmer until cassava is tender, about 20–25 minutes.
6. When cassava is nearly done, gently add fish fillets to the simmering broth. Poach the fish until opaque and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes depending on thickness.
7. Adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper, stir in lime juice, and remove bay leaf.
8. Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with lime wedges and accompaniment of choice.