This is a popular Brazilian dish often served in restaurants along the coast, or as celebrations for guests. It is a show stopper in terms of presentation and flavor both!
3poundsbaking pumpkinI used a ribbed dark orange baking pumpkin
1tablespoonolive oil
1tablespoonbutter
1largeonionchopped
½teaspoonminced rosemary
1teaspoonminced thyme
1teaspoonsmoked paprikaoptional
3clovesgarlicmashed
2-3tomatoeschopped; you can used diced canned tomatoes
1cupcooked pumpkin flesh or canned pumpkinto add to the sauce/soup
1 ½cupscoconut milkcan substitute cream or use 1/2 cup cream and 1/2 cup coconut milk
12ouncescream cheese
2poundsshrimpmedium or large
1ouncesparmesan cheesegrated
salt and pepper
1-2cupswater
Instructions
Cut the top of the pumpkin off like a lid, clean the inside removing all the seeds and the stringy part of the flesh attached to the seeds. Toss the stringy part of the pumpkin attached to the seeds and keep the seeds if you want to use them for roasting later.Wrap pumpkin in foil and bake at 300 degrees F. for about 40 minutes or until “fork tender” (to test, poke it with a fork around the stem area- it is done when slightly soft to the touch). Test occasionally with fork because overcooking the pumpkin can cause it to collapse. (Some people will cook in a microwave without the foil, but be careful not to overcook or bottom will fall out).Remove from the oven and set aside. Now you have two options: you can scrape out some of cooked pumpkin flesh, being careful not to break the pumpkin (however, sometimes the inside of the pumpkin doesn’t get soft enough to scrape out). If you do remove the flesh, set it aside for adding to the sauce later.The second option is to leave the pumpkin and its flesh intact and use some other leftover squash or canned pumpkin in the soup instead (I added about 1 cup). I found this option easier.
3 pounds baking pumpkin
In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat oil and butter over medium high heat. Add chopped onion and saute for 5-7 minutes, or until translucent and caramelized. Add spices and smashed garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the tomatoes, the reserved pumpkin flesh or canned pumpkin, the coconut milk/cream and the cream cheese. Cook for 3-5 minutes or so, stirring until smooth and thickened to your liking. Mine came out pretty thick and I added 1 1/2 cups water to the broth.Add the shrimp and cook until pink. Shrimp cook fast and it will only take 3-4 minutes.
To serve, pour the sauce/shrimp ingredients into the pumpkin and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Rice is often served as an accompaniment. If desired for presentation, garnish the pumpkin opening by hanging a few shrimp off of the top edge.
1 ounces parmesan cheese
NOTE: If making it ahead, pour the sauce (without the parmesan) in the pumpkin 15 minutes before serving time; wrap the pumpkin in foil and bake in a 350F oven till hot. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve.
Video
Notes
*The recipe calls for requeijao cremoso, a creamy cheese not available in the United States. Cream cheese is a reasonable substitute.* Serving size includes 4-5 shrimp per person.**Want more like this? Subscribe to ourSunday newsletterto get recipes, gardening guides and diet help. Let’s go from Inspiration to Done!