Camarão ao Catupiry com Palmitos
Camarão ao Catupiry, a tantalizing dish rooted in Brazilian culinary tradition, skillfully combines succulent shrimp with creamy catupiry cheese and tender palmitos. Often served in the tropical regions of Brazil, it reflects the country's love for rich flavors and seafood. The unique cheese, Catupiry, was invented in the early 20th century by an Italian immigrant, Mario Silvestrini, which soon became a popular ingredient in Brazilian cuisine, giving birth to dishes like this one.
Ingredients
- Shrimp (500g, peeled and deveined)
- Butter (2 tablespoons)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Onion (1, finely chopped)
- Catupiry (1 cup)
- Palmitos (400g, sliced)
- Tomatoes (2, chopped)
- Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
- Coriander (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Lemon juice (juice of half a lemon)
- Breadcrumbs (for topping)
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
Begin by washing and drying the shrimp. Season them with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let them marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Making the Creamy Base
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until they're soft and pulpy.
Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp and Palm Hearts
Add the marinated shrimp into the pan with the tomato mixture. Cook them for about 5 minutes or until they turn pink. Next, incorporate the sliced palmitos and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4: Adding Catupiry
Reduce heat and mix in the Catupiry cheese, stirring gently until it melts and combines to create a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Final Touches
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crisp finish. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown. For accurate timing, consider setting a cooking timer.
Enjoy Your Meal
Once the dish is hot and bubbly, remove from the oven and sprinkle the parsley and coriander over the top before serving. Camarão ao Catupiry com Palmitos is best enjoyed with a side of white rice or crusty bread, complimented by a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer. Relish the rich blend of the sea and Brazilian dairy innovativeness with every bite!