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Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes |
Ready In: 45 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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Moqueca de camarão Dendê (palm) oil brings to the cooking of coastal Brazil what drums bring to samba: an insistent underlying sensuality. It transforms the coconut milk with its deep orange-red color and makes the flavor of the shrimp sing. But it is as perishable as it is seductive, so smell it before you use it. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min Ingredients:
1 1/4 lb large shrimp in shell (21 to 25 per lb), peeled and deveined |
1/4 teaspoon black pepper |
1 1/2 teaspoons salt |
2 garlic cloves, minced |
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice |
1 (14- to 15-oz) can diced tomatoes including juice |
1 medium onion, finely chopped |
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped |
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil |
1/2 teaspoon cayenne |
5 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro |
1 cup well-stirred canned unsweetened coconut milk |
1 tablespoon dendê (palm) oil |
accompaniment: cooked white rice |
Directions:
1. Toss shrimp with black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic, and lemon juice and marinate, covered and chilled, 20 minutes. 2. Purée tomatoes with juice in a blender until smooth. 3. Cook onion and bell pepper in olive oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add cayenne, 1 tablespoon cilantro, and remaining teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add tomato purée and simmer briskly, stirring, until mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and bring to a boil, then add shrimp mixture and cook, stirring, until shrimp are just cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes. 4. Stir in dendê oil and remaining 4 tablespoons cilantro and season with salt and pepper. 5. * Available at Brazilian and West African markets and Kalustyan's (800-352-3451). |
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