Cabo Verde, or Cape Verde, is a stunning archipelago off the coast of West Africa.
And its cuisine is a vibrant mix of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences.
If you’re a foodie looking to spice up your kitchen game, you’re in for a treat.
These dishes are packed with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a whole lot of soul.
From hearty stews to mouthwatering seafood, Cabo Verdean recipes are the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something new, these dishes will transport your taste buds straight to the islands.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
1. Cachupa: The National Dish of Cabo Verde
Cachupa is the heart and soul of Cabo Verdean cuisine. This slow-cooked stew is a hearty mix of corn, beans.
And whatever meat or fish you’ve got on hand. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried hominy corn
- 1 cup kidney beans
- 1 cup lima beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 chorizo sausage (optional)
- 1 cup diced chicken or fish
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 sweet potato, diced
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Soak the corn and beans overnight. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add the corn, beans, bay leaf, and enough water to cover everything. Simmer for 2-3 hours until tender.
Add the meat, tomatoes, sweet potato, and cabbage, and cook for another 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Cachupa is the ultimate comfort food and a staple in Cabo Verdean households. It’s versatile, filling, and packed with flavor.
2. Pastel com Diablo Dentro: Spicy Stuffed Pastries
These crispy pastries are a popular street food in Cabo Verde. The name translates to “pastry with the devil inside,” thanks to the spicy tuna filling.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 can tuna
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 chili pepper, minced
- 1 tomato, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, water, and oil to form a dough. Roll it out and cut into circles. For the filling, mix tuna, onion, chili, tomato, salt, and pepper.
Place a spoonful of filling on each circle, fold, and seal the edges. Fry until golden brown.
Why We Chose It:
These pastries are addictive! The spicy filling and crispy crust make them a must-try.
3. Canja: Cabo Verdean Chicken Soup
Canja is a simple yet flavorful chicken soup that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the chicken with onion, garlic, and bay leaf until tender. Remove the chicken and shred the meat.
Add rice, carrot, and celery to the broth and cook until soft. Return the chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Canja is comfort in a bowl. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of flavor.
4. Feijoada: Bean Stew with a Twist
This Cabo Verdean version of feijoada is a rich, savory stew made with beans, meat, and spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups black beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 chorizo sausage (optional)
- 1 cup diced beef
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Soak the beans overnight. Sauté the onion and garlic, then add the meat and cook until browned.
Add the beans, tomato, bell pepper, and bay leaf. Cover with water and simmer for 2 hours. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Feijoada is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing.
5. Buzio: Grilled Conch
Buzio is a seafood lover’s dream. This dish features grilled conch marinated in a zesty sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb conch, cleaned and tenderized
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 chili pepper, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Marinate the conch in garlic, lime juice, chili, olive oil, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes. Grill until tender and slightly charred.
Why We Chose It:
Buzio is fresh, flavorful, and a true taste of the islands.
6. Xerém: Creamy Cornmeal Porridge
Xerém is a creamy, comforting porridge made from cornmeal. It’s often served with meat or fish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced chicken or fish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion and garlic. Add the cornmeal and water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the meat and simmer until thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Xerém is simple, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying.
7. Lagosta Grelhada: Grilled Lobster
This dish is a luxurious treat featuring fresh lobster grilled to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 whole lobsters
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Clean the lobsters and split them in half. Marinate with garlic, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Grill until the meat is opaque and slightly charred.
Why We Chose It:
Lagosta Grelhada is a showstopper dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
8. Cuscus: Sweet Corn Pudding
Cuscus is a traditional dessert made from cornmeal, coconut, and sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
How to Make It:
Mix the cornmeal, coconut, and sugar. Add water and cinnamon, then steam for 30 minutes. Serve warm or cold.
Why We Chose It:
Cuscus is a sweet, comforting dessert that’s uniquely Cabo Verdean.
9. Caldo de Peixe: Fish Stew
This flavorful fish stew is a staple in Cabo Verdean cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 sweet potato, diced
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion and garlic. Add the tomato, bell pepper, sweet potato, and cabbage.
Add water and simmer until tender. Add the fish and cook until flaky. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Caldo de Peixe is light, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients.
10. Bolo de Cuscuzeira: Steamed Corn Cake
This steamed corn cake is a unique and delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients and pour into a greased mold. Steam for 30 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Bolo de Cuscuzeira is a delightful treat that’s perfect with coffee or tea.
11. Pudim de Coco: Creamy Coconut Pudding
Pudim de Coco is a luscious, creamy dessert that’s a favorite in Cabo Verde.
Made with coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, this pudding is rich, smooth, and utterly irresistible. It’s the perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional for topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish or individual ramekins. Place the dish in a larger pan and fill the pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish (this is called a water bath).
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the pudding is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before serving.
Why We Chose It:
Pudim de Coco is a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s simple to make yet feels indulgent.
It’s a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to incorporate the tropical flavors of Cabo Verde into your dessert repertoire. Verde’s famous grogue.
Conclusion
Cabo Verdean cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, these dishes are sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and let’s bring a taste of Cabo Verde to your kitchen.