Brazilian recipe
Traditional Brazilian Creamy Vatapá
Discover the rich, authentic taste of homemade Vatapá, a velvety blend of dried shrimp, white fish, coconut milk, and dende oil for an unforgettable meal.
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Ingredients
70g smoked dried shrimp
250g white fish fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 onion, sliced
1 tomato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp crushed red chili flakes
20 ml lemon juice
3 tbsp dende oil
1/2 cup roasted cashews
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, peeled
1 tsp grated ginger
2 slices white bread, crusts removed and soaked
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
250g white fish fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 onion, sliced
1 tomato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp crushed red chili flakes
20 ml lemon juice
3 tbsp dende oil
1/2 cup roasted cashews
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, peeled
1 tsp grated ginger
2 slices white bread, crusts removed and soaked
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
Where to find ingredients
Find dried shrimp and dende oil in specialty Latin American grocers or international food sections. Fresh white fish, produce, and pantry staples are available at local supermarkets and produce markets.
Preparation method
- Soak the dried shrimp in water to remove excess salt
- Roast the peanuts and remove the skins
- Season the white fish fillets with salt and black pepper and set aside
- In a pot, heat half of the dende oil and sauté the onion, tomato, ground coriander, and green bell pepper
- Place the fish fillets over the sautéed vegetable base
- Cook for approximately 5 minutes
- Sprinkle with the crushed red chili flakes
- Drizzle with the lemon juice and the remaining dende oil
- Cover the pot, cook over medium heat until the fish is tender
- Remove the fish from the sauce, flake it into small pieces, and reserve the sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine the drained dried shrimp, cashews, roasted peanuts, grated ginger, soaked bread, coconut milk, and water
- Blend the mixture into a smooth paste that retains a slight texture, being careful not to over-process
- Gently fold the blended paste into the reserved sauce in the pot
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the Vatapá reaches its characteristic creamy consistency
- Incorporate the reserved flaked fish into the mixture
- Adjust salt and black pepper seasoning if necessary
- Serve hot
Observations
Vatapá is a cornerstone of Brazilian gastronomy, particularly celebrated in the Bahia region for its luscious texture and intricate flavor profile. This dish is built upon a foundation of soaked bread, creamy coconut milk, vibrant dende oil, and aromatic spices, further elevated by the inclusion of savory dried shrimp and flaked white fish. It remains a beloved classic, cherished for its comforting, bold, and unique combination of ingredients that bring a taste of traditional Brazilian heritage to any special gathering.
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