Vatapá is a creamy and flavorful Brazilian dish originating from Bahia, heavily influenced by Afro-Brazilian cuisine. This dish is made with a rich combination of bread, coconut milk, peanuts, shrimp, and aromatic spices, resulting in a thick, delicious paste-like consistency. It is commonly served with acarajé or white rice, making it a staple of Bahian cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Vatapá:
- 4 slices of stale bread (or 1 cup of cornmeal)
- 2 cups (480 ml) coconut milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) fish or shrimp broth
- 2 tablespoons palm oil (or olive oil)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup (120 g) roasted peanuts, ground
- ½ cup (120 g) cashews, ground
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- ½ lb (225 g) cooked shrimp, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- White rice
- Acarajé (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread Base
- Soak the bread slices in coconut milk for 5 minutes.
- Blend until smooth, forming a thick paste.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat palm oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing until golden.
- Stir in paprika, salt, pepper, and ginger.
3. Cook the Vatapá
- Pour in the blended bread mixture and fish broth, stirring constantly.
- Add the ground peanuts and cashews, mixing well.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
- Fold in the chopped shrimp and simmer for 5 more minutes.
4. Final Touches and Serving
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with white rice or acarajé.
Vatapá is a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful dish that showcases the best of Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian cuisine. Its unique combination of coconut, peanuts, and shrimp creates a savory, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this authentic Bahian delicacy at home!

Hello! I created this blog to share with you my passion for Brazilian cuisine, showing you how easy and enjoyable it is to prepare delicious dishes. We want this blog to be a space for exchange, where you can learn, experiment and be inspired by our culture.