Vatapá is a traditional Brazilian dish known for its rich and creamy texture, blended with aromatic spices and coconut milk. This simple chicken vatapá recipe brings together the flavors of chicken, coconut, and peanuts, creating a delicious and hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Traditional Brazilian Chicken Vatapá
A creamy and flavorful Brazilian chicken stew, Vatapá, made with shredded chicken, coconut milk, peanuts, and aromatic spices.
Equipment
- large pot
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- cooked chicken, shredded
- coconut
- peanut
- red chili pepper
- dende oil
- chicken broth
- coconut milk
- salt and black pepper
- fresh cilantro
- cooked rice
- chicken broth
- garlic
- unsalted onion
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, combine desiccated coconut and roasted peanuts. Blend until you get a fine paste. Add a little water if needed to facilitate blending.
- In a large skillet, heat dendê oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped chili pepper (if using). Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the blended coconut and peanut mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and releases its oils.
- Add shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Add ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour in coconut milk, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken.
- Taste the vatapá and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices as desired.
- Serve the chicken vatapá hot over cooked rice. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Video
Notes
Vatapá is traditionally served with white rice, but it can also be enjoyed with farofa (toasted cassava flour) or acarajé (black-eyed pea fritters) for a complete Brazilian culinary experience.
Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of this chicken vatapá, a classic Brazilian dish that brings the taste of Brazil to your table!
Nutrition
Serving: 700g
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