Brazilian recipe
Creamy Traditional Brazilian Vatapá
A rich and authentic homemade vatapá recipe featuring dried shrimp, flaky white fish, red palm oil, and crushed nuts for a velvety, flavorful finish.
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Ingredients
70g dried smoked shrimp
250g white fish fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 onion, sliced
1 tomato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp red pepper flakes
20 ml lime juice
3 tbsp red palm oil (dendê oil)
1/2 cup roasted cashews
1/2 cup skinless roasted peanuts
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 slices crustless white bread, soaked in water
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
250g white fish fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 onion, sliced
1 tomato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp red pepper flakes
20 ml lime juice
3 tbsp red palm oil (dendê oil)
1/2 cup roasted cashews
1/2 cup skinless roasted peanuts
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 slices crustless white bread, soaked in water
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
Where to find ingredients
Dried shrimp, red palm oil (dendê), and coconut milk can be found in specialty Caribbean or Latin American grocery stores. White fish, nuts, and produce are available at standard supermarkets.
Preparation method
- Soak the dried shrimp in water to remove excess salt, then drain
- Lightly toast the peanuts and ensure all skins are removed
- Season the white fish fillets with salt and black pepper and set aside
- In a large saucepan, heat half of the red palm oil and sauté the onion, tomato, ground coriander, and bell pepper
- Place the seasoned fish fillets on top of the sautéed mixture
- Cook for about 5 minutes
- Sprinkle with the red pepper flakes
- Drizzle with the lime juice and the remaining red palm oil
- Cover the pan, set to medium heat, and cook until the fish is tender and flaky
- Remove the fish from the sauce, flake it into bite-sized pieces, and set the sauce aside
- In a blender or food processor, combine the drained dried shrimp, cashews, roasted peanuts, ginger, soaked bread, coconut milk, and water
- Pulse until you achieve a smooth paste that retains a slight texture, being careful not to over-blend
- Gently fold the blended nut paste into the reserved sauce in the saucepan
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into the signature creamy consistency of vatapá
- Gently stir the flaked fish back into the mixture
- Adjust the salt and black pepper to taste if necessary
- Serve hot
Observations
Vatapá is an iconic dish from the coastal regions of Brazil, celebrated for its luxurious, creamy consistency and complex flavor profile. This traditional preparation blends softened bread with coconut milk, dendê oil (red palm oil), and a blend of spices, enriched with savory dried shrimp and white fish. It is a soul-warming staple, perfect for special gatherings or those looking to experience the depth of authentic coastal Brazilian cuisine.
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