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Brazilian Vatapá

Delight in the creamy, rich flavors of Brazilian Vatapá, a traditional Afro-Brazilian shrimp and peanut stew that’s ready in about 1 hour and bursting with coastal Bahia flavor.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 150  C
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $  20
Calories: 480
Best Season: Summer
Description

Vatapá is a classic Brazilian dish rooted in the culinary traditions of Bahia, blending African and Portuguese influences. This hearty stew combines shrimp with coconut milk, peanuts, bread, and palm oil to create a smooth, rich texture and bold, complex flavor. Traditionally served with white rice or acarajé (black-eyed pea fritters), vatapá is comforting, spicy, nutty, and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of Brazil’s northeast coast into your home kitchen.

Ingredients
  • 1/2 pound raw shrimp – (225 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – (3 g)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice – (15 ml)
  • 1/2 cup raw peanuts – (65 g)
  • 1/2 cup cashews – (65 g)
  • 2 slices white bread – (approx. 60 g)
  • 1 small onion – (100 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic – (6 g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger – (2 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper – (1 g)
  • 1/4 cup dendê oil (red palm oil)
  • 1 can coconut milk – (400 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – (15 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro – (4 g)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – (4 g)
Instructions
  1. 1
    In a bowl, marinate the peeled shrimp with salt and lime juice. Set aside for 15 minutes while you prepare the base.
  2. 2
    In a food processor or blender, combine the peanuts, cashews, soaked bread (with soaking water), onion, garlic, ginger, and cayenne. Blend into a smooth paste. Add a splash of coconut milk if needed to help blend.
  3. 3
    In a large saucepan, heat the dendê oil and olive oil over medium heat. Add the nut-bread paste and cook, stirring frequently, for 10–15 minutes, until it thickens and becomes aromatic.
  4. 4
    Slowly pour in the coconut milk, stirring continuously. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. 5
    Add the marinated shrimp and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. 6
    Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley. Vatapá pairs beautifully with white rice or acarajé for an authentic Bahian meal.
Keywords: Brazilian Vatapá, shrimp stew, Afro-Brazilian cuisine, Bahian food, seafood stew
Read it online: https://www.leonisteam.com/recipe/brazilian-vatapa/