Caldou

Name: Caldou
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Gambian
Ingredients: 4 pieces fresh grouper or snapper; 3 limes, juiced; 3 large onions, sliced; 3 tomatoes, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bunch parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 Maggi cubes; 1 Scotch bonnet pepper; Salt to taste; 3 cups water; 2 cups cooked rice for serving

Caldou (kal-DOO)

Gambian Fish Stew

⏱ Prep Time 40 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 324 kcal

A light, fragrant fish stew simmered with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, served over rice as a refreshing and nutritious Gambian staple.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 30.0g

Carbs 24.0g

Fat 12.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish

Equipment Needed

large pot sharp knife wooden spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep plate

Garnishes: fresh parsley, lime wedges

Accompaniments: steamed rice

Ingredients

4 pieces fresh grouper or snapper
3 limes, juiced
3 large onions, sliced
3 tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch parsley, chopped
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 Maggi cubes
1 Scotch bonnet pepper
Salt to taste
3 cups water
2 cups cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1
Clean fish with lime juice and salt. Let rest for ten minutes.
2
Heat oil in a pot. Saute onions until translucent, about five minutes.
3
Add tomatoes and garlic. Cook until tomatoes break down into a sauce.
4
Pour in water and bring to a boil. Add Maggi cubes and Scotch bonnet.
5
Gently lower fish pieces into the broth. Simmer for fifteen minutes until fish is cooked through.
6
Add remaining lime juice and parsley. Serve the fish and broth over steamed rice.

💡

Did You Know?

Caldou is considered the lightest and most refreshing of Gambian fish dishes, and is often recommended by Gambian grandmothers as the best food for recovering from illness.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
sharp knife
wooden spoon

Garnishing

fresh parsley, lime wedges

Accompaniments

steamed rice

The Story Behind Caldou

Caldou is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Gambian coastal cooking. Unlike the rich, oil-heavy stews that dominate the cuisine, caldou lets the fresh flavor of the fish shine through a delicate broth. The dish is believed to have been influenced by Portuguese traders who visited the Gambia River centuries ago, with the generous use of lime showing Mediterranean influence. It remains a favorite lunch dish across The Gambia.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch 📜 Origins: Senegambian coastal tradition

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