Matapa de Caranguejo: Mozambican Crab Delight

Dish recipes: Matapa de Caranguejo
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Transport your taste buds to Mozambique with Matapa de Caranguejo, a traditional dish that celebrates the coastal flavors of the region. This savory stew, featuring crab and coconut, is a culinary journey that captures the essence of Mozambican cuisine in every spoonful.

Ingredients:

2 lbs (0.9 kg) Crab, cleaned and cracked

2 cups (480ml) Coconut Milk

2 cups (400g) Peanuts, finely ground

2 bunches Cassava Leaves, finely chopped

3 cloves Garlic, minced

2 Red Chilies, chopped

1 Onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp Palm Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Cassava Leaves:

In a large pot, simmer finely chopped cassava leaves in coconut milk until tender.

Add Crab:

Add cleaned and cracked crab to the pot, letting it cook in the coconut-infused goodness.

Create Peanut Paste:

In a separate pan, combine finely ground peanuts with minced garlic, chopped red chilies, and chopped onion. Sauté until golden brown, then blend into a smooth paste.

Combine and Simmer:

Mix the peanut paste into the pot with cassava leaves and crab. Allow the flavors to meld as you simmer the stew over low heat.

Serving:

Serve Matapa de Caranguejo over a bed of rice or with traditional Mozambican flatbread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.

Matapa de Caranguejo is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Mozambique. Let the combination of crab, coconut, and peanuts transport you to the vibrant coastal kitchens of this African nation.