Shrimp

There’s something magical about gathering around a sizzling pan of Paella de Mariscos as the aroma of saffron, garlic, and the sea fills the air. This traditional Spanish seafood paella is more than just a dish — it’s a celebration. Inspired by coastal Valencia, where paella was born, this version is brimming with shrimp, mussels, and tender calamari, nestled into golden, flavor-packed rice. I love making this paella on weekends when friends or family are around. The beauty lies in its simplicity — once the sofrito is prepared and the rice is simmering, all it takes is a bit of …

Continue Reading ..

Vatapá is a creamy, aromatic dish from Bahia, Brazil, with strong African influences. It combines shrimp, coconut milk, ground nuts (peanuts or cashews), palm oil (dendê), and spices, thickened with bread or cassava flour. It’s often served with white rice, acarajé (black-eyed pea fritters), or fish. Ingredients 500g shrimp (peeled & deveined, reserve shells for broth) 200ml coconut milk 2 tbsp palm oil (dendê) (essential for authentic flavor) 1 onion (chopped) 2 garlic cloves (minced) 1 tomato (diced) 1 bell pepper (chopped) 1 chili pepper (optional, for heat) 100g roasted peanuts or cashews (ground) 2 slices stale bread (or cassava flour for gluten-free) 1 lime (juiced) Fresh cilantro …

Continue Reading ..