Caruru

Photo: flickr user marcelo träsel

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Olive oil

2 pounds Small okra pods topped, tailed, and cut small pieces

Salt to taste

Freshly-ground black pepper to taste

3 tablespoons Ground dried shrimp see * Note 1

1 pound Jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined

cup Roasted peanuts

2 tablespoons Dende oil see * Note 2

1 medium Onion very finely chopped

2 Garlic cloves minced

1 teaspoon Red chile flakes

cup Water

1 bn Cilantro, leaves only finely chopped

1 dsh Tabasco sauce

Cooked white rice for serving

12 Cooked jumbo shrimp

1 Red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, cut fine julienne

Cilantro sprigs

Lemon wedges for serving

Preparation

* Note 1: The ground dried shrimp that are used in Brazilian dishes can occasionally be found in West African markets, but the variety that is widely available in Chinese markets will do nicely. It is easiest to grind them in a coffee grinder, if you have one that is reserved for grinding spices. Otherwise, use a food processor.

* Note 2: Dende oil is Brazilian palm oil, available in Latin American markets. Be sure to get the Brazilian rather than the West African product, which is much heavier. Or use half the amount of the West African palm oil and substitute vegetable oil for the other half.

In a medium heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the okra and toss constantly until seared and golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the ground dried shrimp with the fresh shrimp and peanuts. Pulse, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary, until the mixture forms a chunky paste.

In a large, heavy skillet heat the Dende oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and chile flakes and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden. Add the shrimp paste, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and stir to mix. Pour in the water and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the Caruru gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will be quite thick. Stir in the reserved okra, cilantro and tabasco and cook for 2

Serve over white rice, garnished with the cooked jumbo shrimp, red pepper julienne, cilantro sprigs and lemon wedges.

This recipe yields 6 servings.