Brazilian recipe
Shrimp in Pumpkin: A Traditional and Practical Recipe (Camarão na moranga)
Learn how to prepare Camarão na moranga, a classic Brazilian dish with bold flavors, perfect for elegant appetizers or sophisticated main courses.
0.0 / 5 by 0 Reviews
Ingredients
5 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh coriander, chopped to taste
1 tsp curry powder
Salt to taste
1 lemon, juiced
3 tbsp margarine
1 cup requeijão cremoso
Pimenta de cheiro, chopped to taste
1 kg shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 can table cream (creme de leite)
3 large onions, grated
Fresh parsley and scallions (cheiro verde), to taste
1 medium pumpkin (moranga)
50 ml cognac
6 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh coriander, chopped to taste
1 tsp curry powder
Salt to taste
1 lemon, juiced
3 tbsp margarine
1 cup requeijão cremoso
Pimenta de cheiro, chopped to taste
1 kg shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 can table cream (creme de leite)
3 large onions, grated
Fresh parsley and scallions (cheiro verde), to taste
1 medium pumpkin (moranga)
50 ml cognac
Where to find ingredients
You can find most fresh produce and aromatics at local markets or green grocers (vibanda). For the specific Brazilian items, look for specialized food importers in larger urban centers. Substitutes: Use a mild cream cheese for requeijão cremoso and heavy cream as a substitute for table cream if needed, though they will slightly alter the final texture.
Preparation method
- Sauté the garlic and onion
- Brown the garlic in the margarine
- Add the grated onions and sauté until translucent
- Cook the shrimp
- Add the cleaned shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, and fry for a few minutes until pink
- Set aside
- Flambé the shrimp
- Heat the cognac in a small pan
- Carefully ignite and flambé the shrimp
- Once the flame dies down, stir in the curry, chopped tomatoes, coriander, and pimenta de cheiro
- Mix well
- Add the table cream
- Lower the heat and fold in the table cream, stirring constantly
- Simmer for a few minutes without letting it boil
- Turn off the heat and let it rest
- Prepare the pumpkin
- Wash and dry the pumpkin thoroughly
- Using a sharp knife, cut a lid from the top
- With a spoon, scoop out the pulp and seeds, leaving a thin layer of flesh inside the walls
- Wipe the inside clean with a damp cloth
- Grease and stuff
- Spread the requeijão cremoso inside the cavity of the pumpkin
- Fill the pumpkin with the shrimp sauce
- Place the lid back on and wrap the entire pumpkin in aluminum foil
- Bake the pumpkin
- Place in a bain-marie in the oven for approximately 1 hour, until the pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced with a fork
- If necessary, cover and continue baking until the desired level of tenderness is reached
Observations
Camarão na moranga is a hallmark of Brazilian gastronomy, balancing the delicate sweetness of pumpkin with succulent shrimp. It is an ideal centerpiece for special occasions, offering both a striking presentation and a deep, comforting flavor profile. The preparation involves sautéing the shrimp with aromatics, flambéing with cognac, and baking it inside a whole pumpkin filled with a rich, creamy sauce. The final result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is sure to delight any guest.
Ratings and comments