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Vatapá (Traditional Brazilian Shrimp Stew) - a rich and creamy Brazilian dish made with shrimp, coconut milk, peanuts, and bread. A traditional Bahian seafood stew bursting with flavour, perfect with rice or acarajé.

Vatapá – A Delicious Brazilian Dish with Rich Flavours

Vatapá is a classic Brazilian seafood dish with roots in Bahia, renowned for its vibrant and indulgent texture. It’s often made with fish or shrimp, and finished with a creamy peanut and coconut-based sauce. The combination of peanuts, coconut milk, and spices creates a dish that’s both rich and comforting, making it a favourite in Brazilian cuisine.

With its intense flavours, Vatapá is a great way to experience the richness of Brazilian food, especially for those who love spicy and creamy dishes. This dish pairs wonderfully with Brazilian rice and is often served alongside farofa (toasted cassava flour) or acarajé, but it can be enjoyed on its own also.

 

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The Origins of Vatapá in Brazilian Cuisine

In the northeastern corner of Brazil lies Bahia, a sun-soaked tropical region that serves as the vibrant heart of Afro-Indigenous Brazilian culture. Bahian cuisine is a rich tapestry of seafood dishes, infused with tropical flavours that transport you straight to the coast. One such dish, Vatapá, is a Brazilian fish and shrimp stew that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the country’s diverse culinary traditions. A beautiful fusion of Afro-European influences, Vatapá’s roots go deep into colonial Brazil, shaped by the culinary contributions of West African slaves and indigenous communities. The dish combines spices and ingredients from Brazil’s melting pot of cultures, creating a unique and delicious flavour profile that is distinctly Bahian.

Looking to explore more delicious recipes? Try my Butter Chicken, Triple Cheese Honey Quesadilla or for a sweeter – savoury fusion enjoy my Bacon Wrapped Feta Bites as a perfect appetiser. 

 For more easy and exciting dishes, check out One Pot Wonders for quick and flavour-packed recipes perfect for every occasion!

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Khaldun Nisbett

A Londoner with a serious love for food and Arsenal. My favourite things are travelling, coffee, and hitting the gym!

Vatapá (Traditional Brazilian Shrimp Stew)
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Vatapá (Traditional Brazilian Shrimp Stew)

Course: MainCuisine: Afro-BrazilianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Total time

40

minutes

This traditional Brazilian Vatapá recipe is a rich, creamy fish and shrimp stew, infused with coconut milk, peanuts, and aromatic spices. A true taste of Bahia, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • 500g of shrimp, peeled 

  • 4 slices of day-old bread, crust removed

  • 1 cup coconut milk

  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, ground

  • 1/4 cup roasted cashews, ground

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon dendê oil (palm oil)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • Salt and black pepper

  • 1 small chilli pepper (optional for heat)

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

  • Begin by soaking the day-old bread in 1 cup of coconut milk until soft, about 10 minutes. Once softened, blend it into a smooth paste and set aside.
  • Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they break down into a rich sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and ground ginger, mixing well to combine.
  • Pour in the coconut milk-bread mixture, along with the ground peanuts and cashews. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • In a separate pan, heat the dendê oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink, then set aside.
  • Return to the stew base and check the consistency—it should be thick and smooth. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a little water if it's too thick.
  • Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and let the vatapá simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavours to meld together.
  • Serve the vatapá hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Traditionally, it’s paired with white rice and can be enjoyed with a side of hot sauce for extra heat.
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Brought me back to Brazil

7 hours ago

Since moving to the UK i have not seen a Vatapa recipe i’ve wanted to make, but came across this on tiktok and thought i’ll try it out. Lets just say this was what i needed while missing home.

Iury R