Legitimate Bahian Caruru Recipe

Caruru is a typical dish of Bahian cuisine, prepared with okra, palm oil, dried shrimp, ginger, peanuts, cashew nuts and other spices that help to accentuate this delicacy even more. Few dishes are as typically Brazilian as the Bahian caruru, which highlights the African and indigenous influences in our cuisine.

Do you want to learn how to prepare this recipe rich in aromas and flavors? So, follow here at TudoReceitas the legit Bahia pigweed recipe complete with step-by-step photos and try this delicious dish right away!

Ingredients to make legit Bahian Caruru:

 60 okra

 1 large onion

 100 grams of cashew nuts

 100 grams of peeled roasted peanuts (optional)

 1 clove of garlic (large)

 ½ cup smoked dry shrimp

 1 cup of water (approximately)

 1 tablespoon of grated ginger (or to taste)

 2 tablespoons of palm oil

 green smell (to taste)

 whole dry shrimp (to taste)

 Salt and black pepper to taste)

How to make legit Bahia Caruru:

Start by preparing the okra: wash them well and, after that, remove the ends and cables from them. Make a cross-shaped cut lengthwise and then chop them up.

With the okra cut, separate the other ingredients: onion and garlic, shrimp, nuts and peanuts, ginger, palm oil and the green scent.

Tip: Before using dried shrimp, wash them or soak them in water for a few minutes, then drain them to remove excess salt.

In a blender, beat the onion with garlic, peanuts, dried shrimp, cashew nuts, ginger and green scent with 1 cup of water (approximately). Reserve.

In a deep pan, heat the palm oil a little and add the previously chopped okra. Mix well and add half a cup of water.

Tip: Palm oil has a very strong flavor and also contributes to giving more color to the dish. If desired, add another tablespoon before sauteing the okra.

Add the seasoning beaten in a blender, the whole dried shrimp (optional), black pepper and add salt (if necessary).

Cook the pigweed over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick and adding more water if necessary. It cannot be too thin or too thick.

Tip: For those who don't like okra drool, you can add drops of lemon or vinegar during cooking to remove excess from it.

The pigweed will be ready when the okras are tender and their seed color is a little pink. Serve this traditional Bahian caruru accompanied by white rice, vatapá to your liking, fish or seafood moqueca. Enjoy your food!

Looking for more Bahian recipes? See how to do it:

Bahian black beans

Palm oil crumb

jerk beef

If you liked the legit Bahia Caruru recipe, we suggest you enter our Vatapá Recipes category. You can also visit a list of the best Brazilian recipes. You may be interested to read about the liver and eggs blogpost/ chestnut cookies recipe/ strawberry cheesecake slice recipe/ golden honey recipe/ Moroccan lentil salad recipe.