Brazilian Minced Pork Vatapá (Spiced Stew)
Vatapá is a thick, spiced stew from Bahia traditionally thickened with bread and ground peanuts and flavored with coconut milk, ginger, and palm oil. This version swaps in minced pork for a faster-cooking, weeknight-friendly take that still delivers bold, layered flavor. The whole pot is ready in about 30 minutes and is best served over white rice.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chefs Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound minced pork preferably free-range for best flavor
- 1 cup coconut milk full-fat for creaminess
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon palm oil or substitute with olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup chicken stock preferably low sodium
- 1 cup stale bread cubed
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced pork in palm oil until browned, about 5 minutes. Break the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until the onion is translucent and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cayenne pepper for a gentle heat, adjusting according to your spice preference.
- Pour in the chicken stock and coconut milk. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and add the cubed stale bread. Stir until the bread absorbs the liquid, thickening the stew, about 5 minutes.
- Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.
Notes
Jen’s Tips:
- To enhance the flavor, add a dash of lime juice before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with minced mushrooms.
- For an extra layer of flavor, caramelize onions before adding minced pork.
Nutrition
Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 29gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 438mgPotassium: 660mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 226IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 5mg
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