Brazilian recipe
Creamy and Rich Vatapá (Vatapá)
A classic of Brazilian cuisine, vatapá combines shredded chicken and shrimp in a rich bread and coconut milk base, perfect for special occasions.
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Ingredients
2 kg boiled and shredded chicken
1 kg small shrimp
8 day-old French rolls (pão francês)
2 bottles coconut milk
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
200 ml palm oil (dendê oil)
2 liters vegetable broth
Fresh coriander, to taste
Pimenta de cheiro (or mild chili pepper), chopped to taste
Salt, to taste
1 kg small shrimp
8 day-old French rolls (pão francês)
2 bottles coconut milk
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
200 ml palm oil (dendê oil)
2 liters vegetable broth
Fresh coriander, to taste
Pimenta de cheiro (or mild chili pepper), chopped to taste
Salt, to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find most ingredients at local wet markets or large supermarkets. Palm oil (dendê) and pimenta de cheiro are authentic staples; as a substitute for dende oil, you might look for high-quality red palm oil at specialty ethnic grocers, though the specific flavor profile is unique to the original.
Preparation method
- Cut the French rolls into slices and place them in a large bowl.
- Pour the coconut milk over the bread and let it soak until completely softened.
- Transfer the bread and coconut milk mixture to a blender and blend until you obtain a smooth cream.
- In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for one more minute, without letting it brown.
- Add the small shrimp to the pan and cook for just a few minutes, until they change color.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well with the sautéed base.
- Pour the blended bread and coconut milk cream into the pot.
- Add the hot vegetable broth and mix continuously with a whisk or spoon to prevent the bread from sticking to the bottom and to ensure a smooth texture.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the vatapá thickens and reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting as necessary.
- Finally, fold in the chopped fresh coriander and pimenta de cheiro.
- Serve the vatapá hot, accompanied by white rice.
Observations
Vatapá is a traditional dish in Brazilian cuisine, especially iconic in Bahia, known for its velvety texture and distinctive flavor. It is frequently prepared for celebrations and Sunday lunches, being a comforting option that pleases many palates. Its creamy base and the combination of ingredients such as chicken, shrimp, and palm oil make it truly unique.
This recipe provides the step-by-step instructions for you to prepare an authentic Vatapá at home. With fresh ingredients and careful preparation, you will achieve a flavorful result with the ideal consistency, worthy of a true chef.
This recipe provides the step-by-step instructions for you to prepare an authentic Vatapá at home. With fresh ingredients and careful preparation, you will achieve a flavorful result with the ideal consistency, worthy of a true chef.
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