| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 395 | 28g | 9g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 4g | 19g | 0.9g |
There’s a particular gleam in my eye when I prepare the Brazilian Shrimp Stew (Moqueca de Camaroes) with Annatto. Although my culinary roots are deeply grounded in the Pacific Northwest and Japan, I can’t help but appreciate the rich flavors and vibrant colors of this exotic dish. Here’s why I am unequivocally in love with this recipe.
A Journey of Culinary Adventure
Every bite of the Brazilian Shrimp Stew takes you on a culinary voyage – one that’s infused with the heartiness of fresh shrimp, tartness of lime juice, and the unique spice of annatto seeds. It begs you to explore beyond what’s familiar and traditional, and, in a way, that’s very much like my life split between Seattle and Japan. Throughout my culinary journey, I’ve learned that great foods know no borders, and this Brazilian dish perfectly encapsulates that belief.
The Health Benefits
But, my love for this recipe isn’t just about the burst of flavors. Brazilian Shrimp Stew with Annatto is loaded with health benefits too. Shrimp, the star of this dish, is a lean source of protein and contains selenium, an anti-oxidant that bolsters your immune system. The stew’s generous use of herbs and spices such as cilantro, parsley, and garlic adds to its health-boosting properties, as well as layering on the taste. Lastly, the dash of coconut milk introduces the ‘good fats’ into the meal, aiding heart health.
Perfect Pairings and Similarities
This dish may remind you of Cajun Jambalaya, another hearty and flavourful shrimp-based dish. Thanks to its bold flavours and spicy warmth, Brazilian Shrimp Stew pairs exceptionally well with fresh green salads and tangy condiments. But that said, it possesses the beautiful ability to stand on its own, luring taste buds into its captivating rich and creamy textures.
So there you have it, the Brazilian Shrimp Stew with Annatto. It’s a dish that beautifully blends different cultures, tastes, and health benefits, much like my personal culinary journey. Whether as a stand-alone delicacy or paired with a complementary dish, it brings a piece of Brazil into your kitchen. Needless to say, this recipe has a special place at my dining table, and I hope it finds one at yours too.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 pounds of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup of lime juice (around 2 limes)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup of vegetable or canola oil
- 2 cups of onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup of green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of annatto seeds, ground
- 1 can (14 oz) of coconut milk
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
- White rice for serving
Method
Step One
Start off by mixing the raw shrimp with lime juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Let it marinate and set it aside.
Step Two
Next, prepare your ‘sauce.’ In a food processor, combine the chopped cilantro and parsley with the undrained diced tomatoes. Blend until smooth and then set this aside as well.
Step Three
Now, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. To this, add the chopped onions, and both the green and red bell peppers. Let these cook until they’re soft and beginning to brown.
Step Four
Add the minced garlic, paprika, and ground annatto seeds to the pot, and stir for about a minute.
Step Five
Pour the tomato-herb mixture from the food processor into the pot. Bring this to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Step Six
Add in the marinated shrimp and the can of coconut milk. Give it a good stir and let it simmer until the shrimp are fully cooked and pink, which should take about 5-10 minutes. If desired, add hot sauce to taste.
Step Seven
Once the shrimp are cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning – you may want to add more salt, pepper or lime juice to your preference.
Step Eight
Serve the stew hot, over white rice. Enjoy your Brazilian Shrimp Stew (Moqueca de Camaroes) with Annatto!
