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Kapenta (dried small freshwater fish)

Kapenta is a small freshwater fish that is commonly dried and used in stews, relishes, and other savory dishes.

Kapenta (dried small freshwater fish) — illustrative ingredient image

About Kapenta (dried small freshwater fish)

Kapenta is a small freshwater fish product identified here specifically in its dried form. The fish are generally sold whole or in small pieces and used in stews, relishes, sauces, and other savoury preparations. Exact species, size, and preparation can vary under the name kapenta.

Dried kapenta has a dry, firm texture and concentrated savoury flavour. It may be simmered to soften and flavour a dish, or used with other ingredients according to the recipe. Some preparations retain heads, bones, and other small edible parts, while others are cleaned or portioned.

Appearance can range from pale or silvery to darker brown, depending on drying and handling. Products may be relatively pliable or hard, and preparation changes the fish from a dry product into softer pieces while transferring its flavour into stews, relishes, sauces, or related dishes.

Ingredient type
whole food

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Where kapenta (dried small freshwater fish) appears

3 linked foods

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Ingredient connections awaiting review · Coverage is still growing, including packaged snacks.

Name examples awaiting language review. Confirm the specific food or product.

Local names for kapenta (dried small freshwater fish)

Names and romanised forms to recognise on menus and labels.

English

kapenta

Available names only. Languages may be spoken in other countries; a name alone does not identify every ingredient in a dish.

Kapenta (dried small freshwater fish) nutrition & diet

Kapenta (dried small freshwater fish) nutritional value

Reference: Fish, small, whole, dried, raw

Per 100 g of 100 g edible portion in the named official reference form.

Calories
333kcal
Protein
59.5g
Carbs
0.0g
Fat
10.6g

Official national food-composition reference. The displayed food form is part of the estimate; cultivar, recipe, brand, processing and preparation can change values.

Portions & preparation

Confirm that the product is the intended small dried freshwater fish called kapenta, rather than another local fish or a mixed product. Record whole or cleaned pieces, bones, salting, smoking, rehydration, frying, and stew use, because these determine the edible portion and preparation context.

Compare the right form: Reference must match identified kapenta, specifically small dried freshwater fish, with whole or cleaned pieces and any salting, smoking, or cooking stated.

Diet considerations

This kapenta form is animal-origin fish and does not suit vegan or vegetarian diets. Brand or local processing may add salt, oil, coatings, or other ingredients. Plain fish has no cereal component, but flour-based frying and cereal-containing stews change compatibility and the dish’s portion-dependent carbohydrate pattern.

AI-authored reading notes · Awaiting editorial review. Measured values, where available, have a separate source above.

Dietary compatibility

  • Vegan
    Typically incompatible
  • Vegetarian
    Typically incompatible
  • Pescatarian
    Typically compatible
  • Keto
    May be compatible
  • Paleo
    May be compatible
  • Low-carb
    May be compatible
  • Halal
    Not established
  • Kosher
    Not established
What these diet assessments mean
Vegan · Typically incompatible
The ingredient profile identifies an animal-derived food or derivative.
Vegetarian · Typically incompatible
The profile identifies animal flesh, seafood or a derivative excluded by a vegetarian diet.
Pescatarian · Typically compatible
Seafood fits this pescatarian definition. Added meat-based stock or other ingredients would need checking separately.
Keto · May be compatible
The plain form may fit a carbohydrate-restricted diet. Check the portion, added sugar, coatings and sauces against the nutrition values above.
Paleo · May be compatible
May fit a paleo pattern, depending on the cut or form, processing and added ingredients.
Low-carb · May be compatible
The plain form may fit a carbohydrate-restricted diet. Check the portion, added sugar, coatings and sauces against the nutrition values above.
Halal · Not established
Sourcing, processing and any applicable certification have not been verified. A food name alone does not establish halal status.
Kosher · Not established
Sourcing, processing and any applicable certification have not been verified. A food name alone does not establish kosher status.

For the plain ingredient · Awaiting review. Diet compatibility is not allergy suitability or halal/kosher certification. Keto and low-carb depend on the portion.

Reviewed ingredient entryIngredient reference · Preparations vary

AI-generated illustration for visual context. It does not identify a particular product or establish allergen content.

Sources & review

Nutrition reference: Ethiopian Food Composition Table 2025 — 090013 ↗. Values are scaled from 100 g of the recorded edible form. Individual portions have no assumed fixed weight.

Expanded overview, name examples and nutrition notes are database drafts awaiting editorial review. Numeric nutrition values, where shown, have their own source and food-form reference.

The ingredient description and dish connections come from the draft catalogue and may change after review.

Last recorded verification: .