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Tacacá

Amazonian Brazilian soup of seasoned shrimp and cassava dough dumplings in a savory broth. Served piping hot with peppery cassava leaf seasoning and lime.

65 minMediumServes 4220 cal/serving

BrazilianSoupStovetopStandard

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cassava starch (goma)
  • 3 cups water (hot)
  • 4 oz dried shrimp (small)
  • 8 oz fresh shrimp (peeled, deveined)
  • 4 cups fish broth (or seafood broth)
  • 1/2 white onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp cassava leaf powder (if available)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (ground)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a bowl, mix 1 cup cassava starch (goma) with 3 cups water (hot) to create a smooth, pourable consistency. Set aside. This is the tacacá broth base.

  2. 2

    Heat 4 cups fish broth (or seafood broth) in a pot over medium heat. Add 4 oz dried shrimp (small) and simmer 5 minutes to infuse flavor.

  3. 3

    Add 8 oz fresh shrimp (peeled, deveined), 1/2 minced white onion, and 2 cloves minced garlic to the broth. Simmer 3-4 minutes until shrimp is just cooked through.

  4. 4

    Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper (ground), and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.

  5. 5

    Slowly pour the cassava starch mixture into the hot broth while stirring constantly. The mixture will become thick and creamy.

  6. 6

    Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the broth reaches a slightly thick, sauce-like consistency.

  7. 7

    Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous pinch of 2 tbsp cassava leaf powder (if available).

  8. 8

    Serve immediately piping hot with 2 cut into wedges limes on the side for squeezing.

Questions

How long does Tacacá keep?

Refrigerate it up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Can I halve or double Tacacá?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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