🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍝 Main Dishes > 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau Main Dishes > 🍝 Caldo de Peixe (Quick Fish Stew) , Arroz com Frango (Simple Chicken Rice) , Mafé de Amendoim (Peanut Stew with Veggies)
🍝 Guinea-Bissau Main Dishes Recipes
Introduction
If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting the warm, hearty, and soulful flavors of West Africa but thought it would take all day in the kitchen — surprise! Today, we’re diving into Guinea-Bissau’s main dishes that are rich in flavor yet surprisingly simple to make.
Guinea-Bissau, a small coastal nation in West Africa, is a food paradise where Portuguese influences meet African soul. You’ll find dishes filled with rice, fish, peanuts, and fresh vegetables — all cooked with love and minimal fuss.
In this post, I’ll share three classic Guinea-Bissau dishes that can be made in around 30 minutes or less — perfect for busy days or when you just want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here’s what we’re cooking today:
1.Caldo de Peixe – a comforting fish stew bursting with local spices.
2.Arroz com Frango – simple one-pot chicken rice packed with flavor.
3.Mafé de Amendoim – a creamy peanut and vegetable stew you’ll crave again and again.
Ready? Let’s dive into these delicious dishes straight from the heart of Guinea-Bissau.
🔹 Recipe 1: Caldo de Peixe (Quick Fish Stew)
About This Recipe
“Caldo de Peixe” literally means fish soup, but in Guinea-Bissau it’s much more than that. It’s a warm, spicy stew often made with the day’s fresh catch, tomatoes, onions, and a hint of chili. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out — and best of all, it’s quick enough for a weekday dinner.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2–3 pieces of firm white fish (like snapper or tilapia)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or palm oil)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small chili (optional, for mild heat)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika or mild curry powder
- 1 small potato, diced
- 2 cups water or fish stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
2.Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and saucy.
3.Stir in paprika and diced potatoes.
4.Pour in fish stock and bring to a gentle boil.
5.Lay the fish pieces gently in the pot and simmer for about 10 minutes until cooked through.
6.Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of chili.
7.Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with rice or crusty bread.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overcook the fish — it should be tender, not mushy.
- For extra depth, squeeze a little lime juice before serving.
- You can replace potatoes with plantains or cassava for a local twist.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use canned fish?
Yes, canned tuna or mackerel works great for a faster version!
Q2: How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild unless you add extra chili — totally customizable.
Q3: What side dishes go best with it?
Steamed rice or boiled cassava pair beautifully with Caldo de Peixe.
Summary
This quick fish stew captures the heart of Guinea-Bissau in every spoonful — warm, simple, and deliciously homey.
🔹 Recipe 2: Arroz com Frango (Simple Chicken Rice)
About This Recipe
“Arroz com Frango” is a beloved comfort food throughout Portuguese-speaking Africa. Think of it as West Africa’s answer to fried rice — hearty, golden, and fragrant. It’s an easy one-pot meal where chicken and rice absorb all the spices together.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup rice (preferably long-grain)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of peas or carrots (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Heat oil in a large pan and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2.In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until golden.
3.Add diced tomato, paprika, and curry powder. Stir until fragrant.
4.Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5.Pour in the broth, return the chicken, and cover.
6.Simmer gently for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
7.Fluff the rice, garnish with parsley, and enjoy warm.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t stir too often — it’ll make the rice mushy.
- Add a pinch of turmeric if you want a deeper golden color.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
FAQ
Q1: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — skip the chicken and add chickpeas or mushrooms instead.
Q2: What kind of rice is best?
Long-grain white rice works perfectly for this dish.
Q3: Can I meal-prep it?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and makes a great lunch the next day.
Summary
Arroz com Frango is your go-to dish when you want something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying — all made in one pot with minimal cleanup.
🔹 Recipe 3: Mafé de Amendoim (Peanut Stew with Veggies)
About This Recipe
If you love creamy, nutty dishes, “Mafé de Amendoim” will steal your heart. It’s a rich peanut stew made with vegetables — sometimes chicken or fish — and a subtle mix of spices. It’s both comforting and nutrient-packed.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 small sweet potato, diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 handful of spinach or kale leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or ginger powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2.Add chopped tomato and cook until it breaks down into a sauce.
3.Stir in peanut butter and slowly add broth, whisking until smooth.
4.Add sweet potato and carrot. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
5.When vegetables are tender, add spinach and stir for another minute.
6.Adjust seasoning and serve hot with rice or couscous.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Use natural peanut butter — no sugar or additives.
- Don’t skip the tomatoes; they balance the richness of peanuts.
- If it gets too thick, thin with a splash of water or broth.
FAQ
Q1: Can I add meat?
Yes! Chicken or fish are traditional add-ins if you prefer.
Q2: Is this dish spicy?
Usually mild, but you can add chili or ginger for a kick.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely — Mafé freezes and reheats beautifully.
Summary
Mafé de Amendoim brings together comfort, flavor, and nutrition in one creamy, satisfying bowl. It’s a crowd-pleaser even for those new to African cuisine.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it — three classic Guinea-Bissau main dishes that are bursting with West African soul but surprisingly simple to make.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy authentic flavors from this coastal nation. With Caldo de Peixe, Arroz com Frango, and Mafé de Amendoim, you can create a warm, flavorful dinner any night of the week.
Cooking these dishes is like taking a mini trip to Guinea-Bissau — full of color, comfort, and heart. So grab your pan, put on some music, and try one recipe at a time. Then, share your kitchen adventures with friends — because good food tastes even better when shared.
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