Traditional Tacacá

Tacacá is an iconic dish from Amazonian cuisine, where the combination of dried shrimp, tucupi, jambu, and habanero peppers creates a flavorful and refreshing experience.

This simple recipe brings the essence of the jungle in every spoonful, ideal for those who wish to explore authentic flavors rooted in Latin American culture.

Preparing it at home allows you to enjoy a traditional dish full of history and character.

Traditional Tacacá

Main Course
1 hour
4 Servings

Ingredients

½ kilogram of Tapioca

1 kilogram of Dried shrimp

2 liters of Tucupi

3 Jambu leaves

3 Habanero peppers

1 Basil sprig

1 Chicory sprig

10 grams of Crushed garlic

1 tablespoon of Salt

Preparation

Step 1 : The process begins with preparing the shrimp: carefully peel them and then soak in water for about two hours.

Step 2 : It is important to change the water several times during this period to remove excess salt they may contain.

Step 3 : Meanwhile, in a pot, cook the tucupi together with the basil, chicory, garlic, and a pinch of salt.

Step 4 : The cooking takes about 40 minutes until an aromatic and flavorful broth is obtained.

Step 5 : On the other hand, wash the jambu and cook it in water separately for about 30 minutes, or until tender.

Step 6 : This helps maintain its unique texture and flavor.

Step 7 : To prepare the tapioca gum, dissolve the gum in cold water and, slowly, pour it into a pot with three liters of boiling salted water.

Step 8 : It is crucial to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 9 : Cooking lasts approximately 30 minutes, until the mixture becomes a thick, uniform gacha.

Step 10 : Then, knead it and set it aside.

Step 11 : For the spicy sauce, crush the habanero peppers without straining and mix with four spoonfuls of tucupi, creating an aromatic and well-integrated paste.

Step 12 : When serving, in traditional black calabashes, place first portions of the gacha, followed by a bit of tucupi broth.

Step 13 : Then, add jambu leaves, some shrimp, and a portion of the habanero chili ground with tucupi, resulting in a presentation full of color and vibrant flavor.

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