Dried fish or meat, shrimp, tomato, garlic, okra, spinach and oil palm are the indispensable ingredients. Funge — similar to mashed potatoes — is the side dish. Calulu is considered a rich delicacy, so it is normal for locals to prepare this dish for guests.
In Angola, this traditional dish has the same habits: is prepared in special occasions is used as a welcoming for those who came from the outside: foreigners or family.
A fresh beer or a glass of white/green wine are the best options to accompany the Calulu because of the permanent hot climate.
Parties and weekends
Calulu is a family meal and it is often prepared in the weekend. It´s also cooked for weddings, religious ceremonies and distributed near the churches.
This African dish was exported to Brazil, but with another name: Caruru. The brazilian one keep the large majority of the ingredients, but bring in some local delicacies. And, of course, only prepared in special occasions!