Cape Verdean Cachupa Recipe: Corn and Bean Stew from Cape Verde

Name: Cape Verdean Cachupa Recipe: Corn and Bean Stew from Cape Verde
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 165 min
Total time: 195 min
Yield: 6 personnes
Cuisine: Cap-Vert — Afrique de l'Ouest
Ingredients: 300 g de maïs hominy séché (trempe 12h); 200 g haricots rouges + 200 g haricots blancs secs (trempe 8h); 300 g de saucisses fumées (chouriço ou linguiça); 200 g de lard fumé; 1 oignon, 4 gousses d'ail; 3 cuillères d'huile d'olive, laurier; Sel, poivre, piment de la Terre

Prepare authentic cachupa, the national dish of Cape Verde. A hearty stew of corn, beans, and slow-cooked meats — Cape Verdean culinary heritage on your plate.

Prep.

30 min

Cuisson

165 min

Total

195 min

Servings

6 personnes

Niveau

Moyen

Cuisine

Cap-Vert — Afrique de l'Ouest

Ingrédients

300 g de maïs hominy séché (trempe 12h)
200 g haricots rouges + 200 g haricots blancs secs (trempe 8h)
300 g de saucisses fumées (chouriço ou linguiça)
200 g de lard fumé
1 oignon, 4 gousses d'ail
3 cuillères d'huile d'olive, laurier
Sel, poivre, piment de la Terre

Préparation

1

Trempage : La veille, maïs 12h et haricots 8h séparément.
2

Précuire le maïs 1h30 dans l'eau salée. Cuire les haricots séparément 1h. Égoutter.
3

Faire revenir oignon, ail, lard et saucisses en rondelles 5 min dans l'huile d'olive.
4

Ajouter maïs et haricots. Couvrir de 1 litre d'eau. Ajouter laurier, épices. Mijoter 45 min à 1h.
5

La Cachupa doit être épaisse et crémeuse. Servir dans de grands bols.

Pour aller plus loin : histoire, variantes, accompagnements et conseils

In brief

Cape Verdean Cachupa: a corn and bean stew, the Cape Verdean national dish
Origin: Cape Verde (the whole archipelago, a national dish)
Essential ingredients: cracked dried corn (milho), red and white beans, cassava, sweet potato
A shared dish, central to family meals and ceremonies.

Origins and cultural history of Cape Verdean Cachupa

Cape Verdean Cachupa has its roots in Cape Verde. It is found mainly in the whole archipelago (a national dish). It is an integral part of the local culinary heritage and continues to be passed down from generation to generation, from family kitchens to the tables of Afro-Caribbean diaspora restaurants in France.

Its preparation remains rooted in precise gestures. Each family adds its personal touch, according to the available ingredients and regional customs.

What are the essential ingredients of Cape Verdean Cachupa

The preparation of Cape Verdean Cachupa relies on a few essential ingredients found in most African and Caribbean online grocery stores, including NKOSI.

cracked dried corn (milho)
red and white beans
cassava
sweet potato
meat (pork, beef, chorizo)
cabbage
olive oil

What are the variants of Cape Verdean Cachupa

Cape Verdean Cachupa comes in several versions depending on the regions, families and occasions. Here are the best-known variants.

Cachupa rica : A rich (festive) version with varied meats and egg.
Cachupa pobre : A simple (everyday) version without meat.

What to serve Cape Verdean Cachupa with

Cape Verdean Cachupa is traditionally served with: fresh bread, fried egg (cachupa rica). The choice depends on the regions, the seasons and family preferences.

For drinks, this dish is often accompanied by: grogue (cane spirit), wine.

Nutritional benefits of Cape Verdean Cachupa

Cape Verdean Cachupa provides several interesting nutrients: plant proteins, fibre, iron. For a balanced diet, it is advisable to combine it with vegetables and to vary the protein sources.

Frequently asked questions about Cape Verdean Cachupa

How to store Cape Verdean Cachupa after preparation?

Cape Verdean Cachupa keeps for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It reheats gently over low heat or in the oven, adding a little water if necessary.

Can Cape Verdean Cachupa be frozen?

Yes, the dish freezes very well for up to 3 months. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator then reheat gently.

What is the preparation time for Cape Verdean Cachupa?

Allow on average 15 to 30 minutes of preparation and 45 to 90 minutes of cooking, depending on the version. Traditional versions require slow cooking to develop all the flavours.

Where to find the authentic ingredients of Cape Verdean Cachupa in France?

NKOSI offers the essential ingredients (spices, dry ingredients, specialised preserves) through its online shop nkosiagro.com, with fast delivery in France and Europe.