Brazilian recipe
Creamy Vatapá Recipe (Receita de vatapá cremoso)
A standout in Brazilian cuisine, this vatapá features shredded chicken and shrimp in a rich, velvety bread and coconut milk base, perfect for special gatherings.
0.0 / 5 by 0 Reviews
Ingredients
2 kg cooked and shredded chicken
1 kg small shrimp
8 stale French rolls (pão francês)
2 bottles coconut milk
1 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
200 ml azeite de dendê
2 liters vegetable stock
Fresh coriander to taste
Pimenta de cheiro, chopped to taste
Salt to taste
1 kg small shrimp
8 stale French rolls (pão francês)
2 bottles coconut milk
1 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
200 ml azeite de dendê
2 liters vegetable stock
Fresh coriander to taste
Pimenta de cheiro, chopped to taste
Salt to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find essential items like azeite de dendê and pimenta de cheiro at specialty Latin American markets or well-stocked international food aisles. If you cannot find pimenta de cheiro, a mild sweet chili pepper can be used as a substitute. Ensure your bread is thoroughly stale to achieve the best thickening effect for the sauce.
Preparation method
- Slice the French rolls and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the coconut milk over the bread and let it soak until completely soft.
- Transfer the bread and coconut milk mixture to a blender and process until you have a smooth, homogeneous cream.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the azeite de dendê over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, ensuring it does not brown.
- Add the small shrimp to the pot and cook for just a few minutes, until they turn pink.
- Stir the shredded chicken into the pot, ensuring it is well-coated with the aromatics.
- Pour the blended bread and coconut milk mixture into the pot.
- Pour in the warm vegetable stock and whisk continuously, either with a wire whisk or a large spoon, to prevent the bread from sticking to the bottom and to ensure a silky texture.
- Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until the vatapá thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting the balance as needed.
- Finally, fold in the chopped fresh coriander and pimenta de cheiro.
- Serve the vatapá while steaming hot, ideally accompanied by fluffy white rice.
Observations
Vatapá is a cornerstone of Brazilian gastronomy, particularly celebrated in Bahia for its signature velvety texture and bold, aromatic profile. It is a staple at festive gatherings and traditional Sunday lunches, cherished as a soul-warming dish that captivates every guest. The harmonious blend of shredded chicken, shrimp, and the unmistakable, deep-hued azeite de dendê gives this dish its truly one-of-a-kind character.
This guide provides the essential steps to master an authentic vatapá in your own kitchen. By using quality fresh ingredients and following this careful cooking method, you will achieve that perfectly thickened consistency and depth of flavor that is truly restaurant-worthy.
This guide provides the essential steps to master an authentic vatapá in your own kitchen. By using quality fresh ingredients and following this careful cooking method, you will achieve that perfectly thickened consistency and depth of flavor that is truly restaurant-worthy.
Ratings and comments