Shrimp Matapa

Ingredients

While Shila plavi is a Bosnian dish typically made with beef, Shrimp Matapa is a Mozambican adaptation that replaces the beef with succulent shrimp. Additionally, the original dish uses a tomato-based sauce, whereas the Mozambican version features a creamy sauce made from ground peanuts and coconut milk. The spices used in Shrimp Matapa also differ, incorporating Mozambican flavors such as peri-peri, turmeric, and coriander. We alse have the original recipe for Shila plavi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined 500g (1.1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (120g) ground peanuts 1 cup (120g) ground peanuts
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) peri-peri spice blend 1 teaspoon (5g) peri-peri spice blend
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground turmeric 1 teaspoon (2g) ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground coriander 1 teaspoon (2g) ground coriander
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground peanuts to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to combine with the peanuts.
5. 5.
   Add the peri-peri spice blend, ground turmeric, ground coriander, and salt. Stir to incorporate the spices into the sauce.
6. 6.
   Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Gently add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
8. 8.
   Remove the pan from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve the Shrimp Matapa hot with steamed rice or maize porridge.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Ensure that the shrimp is properly cleaned and deveined before cooking to remove any grit or impurities.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few drops of hot sauce or increase the amount of peri-peri spice blend.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the ground peanuts with a little water before adding them to the pan.
• Adjust the salt according to your taste preference, keeping in mind that the shrimp will also contribute some saltiness to the dish.
• Feel free to customize the spice blend by adding other Mozambican spices like paprika or cumin.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Shrimp Matapa as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice or maize porridge. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Shrimp Matapa in a shallow bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the shrimp and sauce to shine through. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an appealing touch.