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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Vatapá is a delicious, creamy stew that hails from the northeastern region of Brazil, particularly Bahia. It’s a rich blend of coconut milk, bread, shrimp or fish, peanuts, and spices, making it the ultimate comfort food. Best of all, you can make it for under $5!
Why You’ll Love Vatapá
- Budget-Friendly: Made mostly with pantry staples.
- Rich & Flavorful: Coconut milk, peanuts, and spices create a luxurious texture.
- Easy to Make: Straightforward cooking process.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, as a filling for wraps, or as a standalone dish.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4, Cost: $4.75)
- 1 cup coconut milk ($1.00)
- 4 slices stale bread, soaked in water and squeezed ($0.25)
- 1/2 cup peanuts or cashews, ground ($0.75)
- 1/2 pound shrimp or fish (optional) ($2.00)
- 1/2 onion, chopped ($0.25)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.10)
- 1 tablespoon palm oil or vegetable oil ($0.15)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (fresh or ground) ($0.10)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Negligible)
- Red chili or paprika (for heat, optional) ($0.15)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep the Bread: Soak stale bread slices in water for about 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess water.
- Make the Base: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the Bread & Nuts: Add the soaked bread and ground peanuts/cashews to the pan. Stir well.
- Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and simmer, stirring continuously.
- Add Protein (Optional): Add shrimp or fish if using, and simmer until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Season & Thicken: Add salt, pepper, and chili/paprika if desired. Simmer until the mixture thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Serve Hot: Serve with rice or as a hearty dip with bread.
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Coconut Milk | $1.00 |
| Stale Bread | $0.25 |
| Peanuts/Cashews | $0.75 |
| Shrimp/Fish (Optional) | $2.00 |
| Onion | $0.25 |
| Garlic | $0.10 |
| Oil | $0.15 |
| Ginger | $0.10 |
| Chili/Paprika | $0.15 |
| Total Cost | $4.75 |
📌 Tips for Making Perfect Vatapá
- If you’re allergic to nuts, try substituting sunflower seeds.
- No shrimp? Go vegetarian by adding chopped tomatoes and bell peppers.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day – the flavor only gets better!
📖 More Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love
- 10 Must-Have Tools to Simplify Your Financial Life
- 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality
- The $50 Grocery Challenge: Can You Eat for a Week on This Budget?
For more amazing budget recipes and money-saving tips, check out KateFi.com!
📌 Final Thoughts
Vatapá is a creamy, rich, and comforting dish that’s perfect for anyone trying to stretch their grocery budget. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this delicious Brazilian stew will have everyone asking for seconds!
Looking for more recipes like this? Bookmark KateFi.com and follow me on Pinterest for more delicious, budget-friendly ideas.
