Brazilian recipe
Creamy Brazilian Shrimp with Hearts of Palm Gratin (Camarão com palmito gratinado)
This classic Brazilian-style creamy shrimp and hearts of palm bake is topped with a golden layer of parmesan cheese. It's a comforting, sophisticated, and easy-to-make dish perfect for special family gatherings.
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Ingredients
2 cups 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 tin hearts of palm, sliced into rounds
Margarine and butter, for sautéing and greasing
1 tin all-purpose cream (table cream)
Extra grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling
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 tin hearts of palm, sliced into rounds
Margarine and butter, for sautéing and greasing
1 tin all-purpose cream (table cream)
Extra grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling
2 kg cleaned and seasoned shrimp
1 tablespoon butter
Where to find ingredients
For the shrimp, visit your local fish market (machli market) or the seafood section of larger supermarkets in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad for the freshest catch. Hearts of palm (often labeled as 'palmito' or 'hearts of palm') are best sourced from the imported goods aisle of high-end supermarkets or specialty gourmet stores. All-purpose cream (table cream) is widely available in the dairy aisle of local groceries. Parmesan cheese can be found in the cheese section of any well-stocked supermarket; if authentic parmesan is unavailable, a good quality hard salty cheese is a suitable local alternative. Use locally sourced onions, butter, and olive oil, which are easily found in all local bazaars and superstores.
Preparation method
- Sauté the shrimp in olive oil with minced garlic and onion rings until they are beautifully golden
- For the white sauce, melt the butter in a pan and cook the onion until it becomes translucent and soft
- Whisk the milk and flour together in a blender until the mixture is perfectly smooth
- Pour the milk mixture into the pan with the sautéed onions and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a rich cream
- Fold the all-purpose cream into the white sauce and set it aside
- In a greased baking dish, spread the sautéed shrimp evenly and cover them with the prepared creamy sauce
- Generously sprinkle a thick layer of grated parmesan cheese over the top
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and gratiné
- In a separate frying pan, sauté the remaining onion slices in a mix of margarine and butter until they are lightly caramelised
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with the golden caramelised onions on top
Observations
This dish highlights the delicate flavour of shrimp and the unique texture of hearts of palm, brought together in a rich, velvety sauce and finished with a crispy parmesan crust. It is a practical, no-fuss recipe that brings a touch of Brazilian comfort food to your dinner table. The preparation involves sautéing fresh shrimp, crafting a smooth thickened cream sauce with a hint of cheese, baking everything until bubbly and golden, and finishing with a garnish of lightly caramelised onions. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a sophisticated meal using simple, accessible ingredients.
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