Camarão ao Catupiry

Camarão ao Catupiry Recipe - Delicious Brazilian Shrimp Dish

Region / culture: Brazil | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Camarão ao Catupiry is a delicious Brazilian dish that combines fresh shrimp with creamy Catupiry cheese, hearts of palm, and tomatoes. This dish is a favorite among seafood lovers and is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

Camarão ao Catupiry has its origins in Brazil, where it is a popular dish in many coastal regions. The combination of shrimp and Catupiry cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of fresh shrimp (medium or small size)
1 Catupiry cheese or 1 lb (454 g) of Philly
1 can of hearts of palm, thinly sliced into rounds
4 large, juicy tomatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup of milk
2 tbsp of finely chopped parsley
2 tbsp of finely chopped green onions
1 tbsp of corn starch
salt and pepper
10-15 whole peppercorns
parmesan cheese to sprinkle
lime juice

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Spread the cheese over the bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 pyrex dish.
Peel, devein, and wash the shrimp. Chop them and sprinkle with lime juice and salt.
Leave the shrimp in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Chop the tomatoes into big chunks and puree them in a blender.
Saute the onion in olive oil until limp. Then, add the shrimp, cover, and bring to a simmer.
Add the tomatoes, parsley, green onions, and whole peppercorns.
Simmer for fifteen minutes.
Dissolve the corn starch in milk.
Add the hearts of palm and milk to the shrimp. Stir for a couple of minutes and remove from heat.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the shrimp mixture into the pyrex dish.
Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
Bake until the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with chicken or fish for a different twist on the dish.
Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein and wash the shrimp thoroughly before using them in the recipe.

- Pureeing the tomatoes adds a rich flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to sprinkle the shrimp with lime juice and salt for added flavor.

- Adding hearts of palm gives the dish a unique texture and flavor.

- Baking the dish until the cheese is melted creates a delicious crust on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Camarão ao Catupiry with white rice and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauteing the shrimp and vegetables before baking ensures that they are cooked through and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cream cheese or another soft cheese in place of Catupiry if it is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Camarão ao Catupiry with a crisp white wine or a caipirinha cocktail for a refreshing pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Contains shellfish, dairy (cheese), and gluten (corn starch).

Summary

Camarão ao Catupiry is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Camarão ao Catupiry is a delicious and creamy Brazilian dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With its rich flavors and unique ingredients, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this flavorful dish for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Camarão ao Catupiry. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria at her beach house in Brazil. Maria was a fantastic cook, and she had invited me over for a seafood feast.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most tantalizing aroma of garlic, onions, and fresh seafood. Maria was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling shrimp in a creamy sauce. I watched in awe as she added spoonfuls of Catupiry cheese, a Brazilian soft cheese similar to cream cheese, to the pot.

"What is that delicious dish you're making?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

Maria smiled and replied, "It's Camarão ao Catupiry, a traditional Brazilian shrimp dish. It's one of my family's favorite recipes."

I couldn't believe how simple yet rich and flavorful the dish looked. I begged Maria to teach me how to make it, and she happily obliged. She guided me through each step, from sautéing the shrimp in garlic and onions to adding the Catupiry cheese and letting it melt into a creamy sauce.

After we sat down to enjoy the meal, I knew that I had discovered a new favorite recipe. The combination of tender shrimp and creamy cheese was a match made in culinary heaven. I couldn't wait to recreate it in my own kitchen and share it with my family and friends.

When I returned home from my trip, I immediately set to work perfecting the recipe for Camarão ao Catupiry. I experimented with different seasonings and cooking techniques until I found the perfect balance of flavors. With each batch I made, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

Over the years, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe for Camarão ao Catupiry. I shared it with my children and grandchildren, who all marveled at its delicious taste and asked for seconds. It became a staple dish at our family gatherings, a symbol of love and connection that transcended time and distance.

As I grew older, I realized that my passion for cooking and sharing recipes was a gift that I could pass on to future generations. I began to compile a handwritten cookbook filled with all of my favorite recipes, including Camarão ao Catupiry. I wrote down each step and ingredient with care and precision, knowing that one day my children and grandchildren would cherish these recipes as much as I did.

Now, whenever I make Camarão ao Catupiry, I am transported back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, where I first learned the magic of combining shrimp and Catupiry cheese. The memories of laughter, good food, and friendship flood my senses, reminding me of the joy that cooking and sharing a meal can bring.

I am grateful for the experiences and people who have shaped my culinary journey, and I hope that my love for cooking and sharing recipes will continue to inspire and nourish those around me for years to come. Cooking is not just about food; it's about creating memories, fostering connections, and celebrating life's simple pleasures. And for me, there is no greater joy than sharing a delicious meal with the ones I love.