Brazilian recipe
Creamy Traditional Vatapá (Vatapá cremoso tradicional brasileiro)
A rich and creamy traditional dish made with dried shrimp, white fish, palm oil, and nuts. A classic Brazilian staple with an unmistakable flavor profile.
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Ingredients
70g dried smoked shrimp
250g white fish steaks
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 onion, sliced
1 tomato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon chili flakes
20 ml lime juice
3 tablespoons palm oil
1/2 cup roasted cashew nuts
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, peeled
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 slices white bread, crust removed and soaked
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
250g white fish steaks
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 onion, sliced
1 tomato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon chili flakes
20 ml lime juice
3 tablespoons palm oil
1/2 cup roasted cashew nuts
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, peeled
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 slices white bread, crust removed and soaked
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
Where to find ingredients
Find dried shrimp, palm oil, and fresh aromatics at local markets or specialty grocers. Coconut milk is widely available at supermarkets. As a substitute for palm oil, you may use refined vegetable oil mixed with annatto for color, though the authentic flavor will be altered.
Preparation method
- Soak the dried shrimp in water to desalinate.
- Toast the peanuts and remove the skins.
- Season the white fish steaks with salt and black pepper and set aside.
- In a pan, heat half of the palm oil and sauté the onion, tomato, coriander powder, and bell pepper.
- Arrange the fish steaks over the sautéed mixture.
- Cook for approximately 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the chili flakes.
- Drizzle with the lime juice and the remaining palm oil.
- Cover the pan, place over medium heat, and cook until the fish is tender.
- Remove the fish from the sauce, flake it into small pieces, and set the sauce aside.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the drained dried shrimp, cashew nuts, roasted peanuts, grated ginger, soaked bread, coconut milk, and water.
- Process the mixture until a homogeneous paste is formed, maintaining a slight texture without over-grinding.
- Gently fold the processed paste into the reserved sauce in the pan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the characteristic creamy consistency of vatapá is achieved.
- Incorporate the reserved flaked fish into the mixture.
- Adjust salt and black pepper if necessary.
- Serve hot.
Observations
Vatapá is an iconic dish from Brazilian cuisine, particularly celebrated in Bahia for its signature creamy texture and complex, savory depth. Traditionally crafted with a base of soaked bread, coconut milk, palm oil, and aromatic spices, this dish is enriched with dried shrimp and white fish. Its enduring popularity stems from a unique blend of ingredients that creates a comforting, flavor-packed experience, perfect for special occasions or whenever you wish to enjoy a quintessential masterpiece of national gastronomy.
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