Description
This Brazilian Vatapá recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines dried shrimp, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. Creamy and rich, it’s a traditional Bahian delicacy that will transport you to the streets of Brazil with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound dried shrimp (soaked in warm water for 30 minutes, drained, and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup dried bread (or 1 cup stale bread cubes soaked in 1/2 cup coconut milk)
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/4 cup dendê oil (red palm oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 small red chilies (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked shrimp, onion, garlic, ginger, cashews, peanuts, and soaked bread with coconut milk. Blend until it forms a smooth, thick paste.
- Cook the Vatapá: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the paste and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and becomes aromatic. Slowly stir in the remaining coconut milk, dendê oil, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and chilies if using. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for another 10–12 minutes, until the mixture thickens into a creamy, porridge-like consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired, traditionally alongside white rice or acarajé (black-eyed pea fritters).
Notes
- Dendê oil gives vatapá its distinctive flavor and color—do not substitute unless necessary.
- If dried shrimp is hard to find, you can use cooked fresh shrimp or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
