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Shrimp Matapa

Yields5 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time40 minsTotal Time1 hr

Rich, creamy Mozambican dish full of traditional coastal flavor.

Shrimp matapa served with white rice

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).

Notes

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:

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.