Caruru de Quiabo is a celebrated dish from Bahia, Brazil, blending flavors and textures deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian culinary traditions. Typically featured on a Bahian street food platter, it's a rich, savory dish that marries the unique texture of okra with shrimp, peanuts, and cashews. The vibrant combination of palm oil and olive oil gives it a distinctive look and taste, perfect as a hearty main course or a festive accompaniment.
Ingredients
🦐 185 g medium gray shrimp, cleaned or dried shrimp - No brand visible
🫒 60 ml olive oil - No brand visible
🌴 90 ml palm oil - No brand visible
🧅 1 medium onion, chopped - No brand visible
🧄 1 clove garlic, chopped - No brand visible
🥒 525 g okra, coarsely crushed/chopped - No brand visible
🫚 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger - No brand visible
🥜 1/2 cup roasted, ground peanuts - No brand visible
🌰 1/2 cup roasted, ground cashews - No brand visible
🌊 60 ml water, approximately
🧂 Salt to taste - No brand visible
🌶️ Freshly ground black pepper to taste - No brand visible
Instructions
1- Prepare the Okra:
- Trim the stems and caps from the okra.
- Slice into small rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Set aside.
2- Sauté the Shrimp:
- In a medium sauté pan, heat a combination of palm oil and olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Add to the pan and sauté until opaque and pink/orange.
- Remove the shrimp and set aside a few for garnishing.
3- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic.
- Sauté until soft and aromatic.
4- Incorporate Ginger and Nuts:
- Stir in the grated ginger, followed by half of the ground peanuts and cashews.
- Mix well.
5- Blend in Okra:
- Add the okra to the pan.
- Season with salt and pour in approximately 60 ml of water.
- Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the okra is tender and the mixture thickens.
6- Return the Shrimp:
- Add the remaining sautéed shrimp and the rest of the ground peanuts and cashews.
- Stir and cook until the mixture achieves a thick, uniform consistency.
7- Final Seasoning:
- Adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8- Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve warm in a traditional clay pot, garnished with reserved shrimp.
Prep Time: Approx. 30 minutes
Cook Time: Approx. 45 minutes
Total Time: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: Not specified
Equipment:
- Chef's knife
- White cutting board
- Clear glass mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Stainless steel sauté pan
- Gas stovetop/range
- Wooden cooking spoon
- Ladle (for serving)
- Traditional clay pot (for serving)
Cooking Tips
- Embrace the natural mucilage (baba) of okra to enjoy the authentic texture of Caruru.
- This dish can be served on its own or as an accompaniment; for a traditional touch, pair it with Acarajé or plain white rice.
#caruru #braziliancuisine #okra #shrimp #afrobrazilianfood #bahiancuisine #traditionalrecipes
Atelier Gourmand: https://www.youtube.com/@atelier.gourmand