Mufete (Grilled Fish with Beans)

Mufete is one of the most iconic Angolan dishes — a full plate of grilled fish served with palm oil beans, boiled plantains, cassava and sweet potatoes.
The fish used is often ginga, a small, affordable fish similar to sardines or mackerel, loved for its flavour and simplicity.
This dish is colourful, nourishing and deeply satisfying — often shared during family gatherings or festive weekends, bringing people together with its rustic charm.

📝 Recipe

Ingredients:

• • 2 whole fresh fish (ginga, tilapia or grouper work well)
• • 2 cups of cooked black-eyed beans
• • 3 tablespoons of red palm oil
• • 2 garlic cloves, minced
• • 1 onion, finely chopped
• • 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• • Salt and pepper to taste
• • Boiled plantains, sweet potatoes and cassava (to serve)

Preparation:

1. Clean the fish, season with salt, pepper and a little garlic, and grill it over charcoal or in the oven until golden and cooked through.
2. For the beans: sauté the onion, garlic and tomatoes in palm oil until soft. Add the cooked beans and stir well. Let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavours.
3. Boil the plantains, cassava and sweet potatoes separately until soft.
4. Assemble the plate: place the grilled fish in the centre, surround with the beans, cassava, sweet potatoes and plantains. Drizzle extra palm oil over everything if desired.
5. Serve warm and enjoy with friends or family — this dish is made to be shared!