Shrimp Matapa

AuthorMy Afro RecipesCategory, , DifficultyIntermediate

Rich, creamy Mozambican dish full of traditional coastal flavor.

Shrimp matapa served with white rice
Yields5 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time40 minsTotal Time1 hr

Shrimp Matapa (Matata de Camarão) is a beloved Mozambican dish made with cassava leaves, ground peanuts, coconut milk, and shrimp. It's rich, creamy, and full of traditional coastal flavor.

If cassava leaves are unavailable, substitute with:

  • Spinach (closest texture)
  • Kale (slightly tougher—simmer longer)
  • Collard greens (stronger flavor but still suitable)
Main Ingredients
 2 cups cassava leaves (fresh, frozen, or finely chopped spinach as a substitute)
 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
 1 medium onion, finely chopped
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 1 -inch piece ginger, minced
 2 hot chili peppers, chopped (optional)
 ¾ cup raw peanuts, ground or blended with a little water into a paste
 1 ½ cups coconut milk
 2 tbsp palm oil or vegetable oil
 Salt to taste
 Water as needed
Directions
1

If using fresh cassava leaves, pound them in a mortar or blend them with a little water until finely ground. Boil in salted water for about 20–25 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside.

2

Heat palm or vegetable oil in a large pan. Sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic, ginger, and chili (if using) and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

3

Stir in the peanut paste and coconut milk. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.

4

Add the cooked cassava leaves (or spinach) and stir. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.

5

Stir in the shrimp and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until pink and cooked through. Adjust salt to taste.

6

Serve hot with white rice or xima (Mozambican cornmeal porridge).

Ingredients

Main Ingredients
 2 cups cassava leaves (fresh, frozen, or finely chopped spinach as a substitute)
 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
 1 medium onion, finely chopped
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 1 -inch piece ginger, minced
 2 hot chili peppers, chopped (optional)
 ¾ cup raw peanuts, ground or blended with a little water into a paste
 1 ½ cups coconut milk
 2 tbsp palm oil or vegetable oil
 Salt to taste
 Water as needed
Shrimp Matapa
IngredientsDirections

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Nutrition Facts

5 servings

Serving size

1

Amount per serving
Calories240
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g36%
Sodium 350mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 20g8%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Protein 23g
Vitamin A 270mcg30%
Iron 2.6mg15%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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