Vatapá

Ingredients

Dried shrimp

1/2 cup

Fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 pound

Onion, chopped

1 medium

Garlic, minced

4 cloves

Ginger, grated

1 tablespoon

Red bell pepper, chopped

1 medium

Coconut milk

2 cups

Peanuts, roasted and unsalted

1/2 cup

Bread (stale or toasted)

1 cup, torn into pieces

Dendê oil (palm oil)

2 tablespoons

Palm oil

2 tablespoons

Cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup

Lime juice

2 tablespoons

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by soaking the dried shrimp in warm water for about 15 minutes to rehydrate them. Once softened, drain and set aside.
2. In a blender, combine the rehydrated dried shrimp, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped red bell pepper, coconut milk, roasted peanuts, and torn bread. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. In a large pot, heat the dendê oil and palm oil over medium heat until shimmering, creating a fragrant base for your dish.
4. Add the fresh shrimp to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pot and set aside.
5. Pour the blended mixture into the same pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
6. Return the cooked shrimp to the pot and stir to combine, allowing the dish to cook for an additional 5 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, accompanied by fluffy white rice or traditional acarajé, and enjoy this delightful meal that celebrates the richness of Brazilian cuisine.