Rumgo de Cabeza de Bagre (Catfish Head Stew)

Recipe category
Country
Region
Source
Fuente: Guillermo Barreto Vázquez (2007)
Number of servings
8
Difficulty
Medium
Ingredients
1500 gr catfish head
1500 gr black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
500 gr yuca (cassava), peeled and cut in pieces
500 gr ñame (yam), peeled and cut in pieces
500 gr carrot, cut in small cubes
1 piece(s) medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 piece(s) ripe tomato, peeled and seedless
1 piece(s) scallion stalk, finely chopped
1 piece(s) medium pearl onion, finely chopped
1 piece(s) garlic head, washed and cut in half
1 tbsp mustard
2 tbsp oil
1 piece(s) splash of vinegar
pinch chopped cilantro to taste
pinch cumin, salt and pepper to taste
Directions
  1. Smoke the catfish heads in a pot over low heat, without letting them burn to avoid the rumgo becoming bitter. This is achieved by moving the heads constantly so they receive equal heat.
  2. In a large pot boil 7 liters of salted water and put to cook the previously hydrated and washed beans.
  3. When the beans are tender add to the pot carrots, bell pepper, garlic, yuca and ñame, with mustard and seasonings to taste.
  4. When the mixture boils, lower to low heat and add the smoked catfish heads. Continue cooking everything, stirring constantly so it doesn't stick or burn.
  5. Separately make a guiso with oil, pearl onion, tomato and vinegar.
  6. When all ingredients are tender, and the fish heads have fallen apart, remove the preparation from heat and add the scallion and cilantro.
  7. Serve with rice, ripe plantain and suero costeño.