Entree: Brazil – Espirito Santo – Bobó de Camarão (Creamy Brazilian shrimp stew made with mashed cassava and coconut milk)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 25 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups (480 g) cooked mashed cassava (yuca)
- 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) dendê oil (palm oil)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped, approx. 6 oz (170 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped, approx. 10 oz (280 g)
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium vegetable or seafood broth
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, sliced, approx. 20 g
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes or ground malagueta (optional)
- 2 cups (390 g) cooked white rice for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse and pat shrimp dry; season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked; remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp (30 ml) dendê oil and reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and chopped tomatoes and cook until tomatoes begin to break down, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked mashed cassava and pour in 1 cup (240 ml) broth, breaking up the cassava and blending until smooth and saucy. Add 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk and whisk to combine; bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the mixture 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if too thick to reach a creamy stew consistency.
6. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and warm through 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and 1/4 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes if using.
7. Stir in chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice just before serving.
8. Serve the bobó hot over cooked white rice, garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.