Camarão à Moçambique

camarão_à_moçambique

When it comes to seafood, few dishes can rival the delicious flavors of Camarão à Moçambique. This traditional Portuguese recipe is a culinary delight that showcases the best of African and Portuguese cooking. The dish is made using fresh shrimp, marinated in a delectable blend of spices and cooked to perfection.

Moçambique, which translates to Mozambique in English, is the inspiration behind this dish. Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony in southeastern Africa that has a vibrant and diverse food culture. The cuisine of Mozambique is heavily influenced by its Portuguese heritage, with a distinct African twist. This recipe for Camarão à Moçambique is a perfect example of the fusion of these two culinary traditions.

The stars of this dish are the fresh shrimp, which are sourced from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The shrimp are marinated in a tantalizing blend of spices, including garlic, cumin, paprika, and coriander. The marinade infuses the shrimp with a rich and complex flavor that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

To prepare Camarão à Moçambique, you will need to gather a few essential ingredients. The first is, of course, fresh shrimp. You will also need onions, tomatoes, garlic, coconut milk, and a few pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper. The dish is typically served with white rice, which provides a neutral base for the bold flavors of the shrimp and sauce.

To prepare the dish, you will begin by marinating the shrimp in the spice blend for at least 30 minutes. While the shrimp is marinating, you can prepare the sauce by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until they are fragrant and translucent. Then, add diced tomatoes and allow them to cook down until they begin to form a sauce. Finally, add the marinated shrimp and coconut milk and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the shrimp are cooked through.

The result is a fragrant and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. The bold combination of spices and tangy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the shrimp and the creamy coconut milk. The result is a dish that is both comforting and exotic, with a unique blend of flavors that is unmistakably Moçambiquean.

In conclusion, Camarão à Moçambique is a must-try dish for seafood lovers who are looking for something different. It is a dish that perfectly marries the culinary traditions of Africa and Portugal, resulting in a dish that is rich, complex, and utterly delicious. Whether you serve it as a main course for a dinner party or as a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 1kg shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until soft and fragrant.

  2. Add the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.

  3. Pour in the white wine, and let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.

  4. Stir in the coconut milk, and add salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

  5. Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet, and toss to coat in the sauce. Let the shrimp cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they are pink and cooked through.

  6. Serve the Camarão à Moçambique in individual bowls or plates, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious Portuguese shrimp with this recipe!