SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE: Clam, Peanut, and Port Stew (Matata) over Rice

Another new-to-the-family flavor profile that we all enjoyed! Portugal colonized São Tomé and Príncipe from the late 15th century through 1975, thus the country has many recipes with Portuguese influences, matata among them. Mozambique has a similar dish with the same name, but the Santomean version dish is simpler and lighter. Mataba is a simple one-pot dinner that works year round; it's vibrant, healthy, and comes together with minimal effort.

Clam, Peanut, and Port Stew (Matata)

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ medium yellow onion

1 cup port wine

1 cup unsalted, roasted peanuts

2 medium beefsteak tomatoes

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste

24 fresh clams in their shells, 2 cups frozen or canned clams (whole or chopped), or a combination

4 cups fresh baby spinach

salt and pepper to taste

3 cups cooked long-grain white rice for serving

1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan with a lid or Dutch oven over medium heat. Chop the onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of water if they start to stick.

2. Roughy chop the peanuts. Core the tomatoes and chop them into large dice. Add the port wine, chopped peanuts, diced tomatoes, and crushed red pepper to the onions..Stir well to combine.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the stew simmer gently for 20 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of water if the mixture starts to stick.

4. Add the clams to the pan. If using fresh clams, cover tightly and cook until the clams just open, about 10 minutes. Coarsely chop the spnich and add to the pan and stir to combine. Cover again. Cook until the leaves have wilted, about 3 minutes.

5. Ladle the matata over a bed of steamed white rice and serve immediately.

#clams #fishsoup #chocolate #matata #saotome

FUN FACTS:

• For a few decades in the early 20th century, São Tomé and Príncipe was the world's largest producer of chocolate.

• Pico Cão Grande, or "Great Dog Peak," is needle-shaped volcanic plug on São Tomé Island. The 2,175 feet is a popular landmark and a challenging climbing destination due to its steep, mossy, and snake-infested terrain.

• São Tomé and Príncipe has not yet won a medal in the Olympic Games. (To be fair, they have only competed in the summer games.)