Mozambique Crab Coconut Curry Recipe
Mozambique Crab Coconut Curry
Mozambique crab coconut curry is made with fresh crab, coconut, and peanuts — all staples of Mozambique’s coastal cuisine. This rich and creamy dish reflects the country’s Indian Ocean heritage and love for seafood.
Serves: 4
Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- ¼ pound fresh crabmeat
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 hot pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- ⅓ cup coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Heat the oil in a large pan and fry onion and spices for 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, peanut butter, and coconut milk. Simmer for 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add crabmeat and cook gently for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or steamed cassava.
About Mozambique’s Coastal Food and Culture
Three major population clusters shape Mozambique’s coastal cuisine — from Maputo and Inhambane in the south, to Beira and Chimoio along the Zambezi River, and up to Nampula and Pemba in the north. Crab, prawns, and tilapia are staple proteins, while coconuts and peanuts provide creamy depth to most stews.
In Cabo Delgado and Nampula, local communities farm seaweed and shrimp in shallow coastal areas, using earthen ponds built near mangrove forests. Portuguese remains Mozambique’s official language, though the country’s diverse dialects and indigenous tongues add unique rhythm and flavor to daily life.
Major languages spoken include Emakhuwa, Portuguese, Xichangana, Cinyanja, Cisena, Elomwe, Echuwabo, and Cindau. Each region’s cuisine reflects this blend of cultures and coastal abundance.
