Brazilian recipe
Creamy Shrimp and Palm Heart Gratin (Receita de camarão com palmito gratinado)
This indulgent shrimp and palm heart gratin is a classic Brazilian-style bake, featuring a silky cream sauce topped with a golden layer of parmesan cheese.
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Ingredients
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt to taste
1 onion, sliced into rings
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 can (14 oz) hearts of palm, sliced into rounds
Margarine and butter, as needed for sautéing and greasing
1 can (approx. 10 oz) table cream or heavy cream
Extra grated parmesan cheese for topping
4.5 lbs (2 kg) cleaned and seasoned shrimp
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt to taste
1 onion, sliced into rings
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 can (14 oz) hearts of palm, sliced into rounds
Margarine and butter, as needed for sautéing and greasing
1 can (approx. 10 oz) table cream or heavy cream
Extra grated parmesan cheese for topping
4.5 lbs (2 kg) cleaned and seasoned shrimp
1 tablespoon butter
Where to find ingredients
You can source fresh shrimp and canned hearts of palm at local grocery stores or specialty seafood markets in Nassau. If you cannot find traditional Brazilian-style table cream (creme de leite), a good substitute is heavy cream mixed with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for tanginess. Always opt for block parmesan and grate it yourself for the best melting texture.
Preparation method
- Sauté the shrimp in olive oil with minced garlic and onion rings until they are just golden and opaque.
- Prepare the white sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan and sweating the onion until translucent.
- In a blender, process the milk and flour until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture.
- Pour the milk mixture into the saucepan with the onions and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a rich cream.
- Stir the table cream into the white sauce and set aside.
- In a greased baking dish, spread the sautéed shrimp evenly and cover completely with the prepared white sauce.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and nicely browned.
- Meanwhile, sauté the remaining onion slices in a skillet with margarine and butter until they are lightly caramelized.
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with the golden caramelized onions.
Observations
This dish perfectly pairs succulent sautéed shrimp with the delicate texture of palm hearts, all brought together in a rich, velvety sauce and finished under the broiler. It is a straightforward yet sophisticated recipe, ideal for elevating a home-cooked dinner. The process involves searing the shrimp, crafting a savory white sauce enriched with heavy cream, layering everything in a baking dish, and topping it with a generous crust of parmesan and caramelized onions for extra depth. It remains a staple for those who appreciate refined seafood dishes made with accessible pantry staples.
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