We love Camarao Na Moranga because it captures the heart of Brazilian coastal cuisine. It’s a creamy shrimp stew served inside a roasted squash and the name literally means shrimp in a pumpkin. We first discovered it on our travels tasting the sweetness of the squash combined with succulent shrimp in every spoonful
Ingredients
We arrange each component to build the creamy stew and roast the pumpkin shell. We prepare them as follows:
- Pumpkin (Moranga)
- Use 1 medium pumpkin.
- Slice off the top.
- Remove seeds and fiber.
- Fresh Shrimp
- Use about 1½ pounds of shrimp.
- Peel and devein.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Olive Oil
- Measure 2 tablespoons.
- Reserve for sautéing.
- Onion
- Finely chop 1 small onion.
- Garlic Cloves
- Mince 3 cloves.
- Tomato
- Dice 1 medium tomato.
- Drain any excess liquid.
- Heavy Cream
- Have ½ cup ready for a silky consistency.
- Cream Cheese (Requeijão or Catupiry)
- Scoop 1 cup.
- Soften at room temperature.
- Salt and Pepper
- Adjust amounts to taste.
- Fresh Cilantro
- Chop about 2 tablespoons.
- Use for garnish.
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin (Moranga) | 1 medium (≈2 lb) | Slice off top. Remove seeds and fiber. |
| Fresh Shrimp | 1½ lb | Peel. Devein. Rinse. |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp | – |
| Onion | 1 small | Finely chopped. |
| Garlic Cloves | 3 | Minced. |
| Tomato | 1 medium | Diced. Drain liquid. |
| Heavy Cream | ½ cup | – |
| Cream Cheese | 1 cup | Soften at room temperature. |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste | – |
| Fresh Cilantro | 2 tbsp | Chopped. |
Tools And Equipment
We rely on a few essentials for Camarao Na Moranga. We handle the pumpkin with caution. We use a sturdy work surface and a sharp knife to slice through its thick skin. We keep a wide roasting pan on hand to support the pumpkin as it bakes. We sauté the shrimp in a deep skillet for even cooking. We stir our creamy filling with a long wooden spoon for better control. Below is a quick guide:
| Tool Or Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sharp Chef’s Knife | Cuts through the pumpkin in steady slices |
| Wide Roasting Pan | Holds our pumpkin for roasting |
| Deep Skillet | Sautés shrimp and aromatics |
| Long Wooden Spoon | Stirs fillings without scratching surfaces |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Ensures precise ingredient portions |
We also keep a heatproof serving spoon ready for transferring this rich stew into the roasted pumpkin. We maintain clean kitchen towels to handle the squash safely once it comes out of the oven.
Prep
We gather everything needed for Camarao Na Moranga. We make sure our medium pumpkin and fresh shrimp are prepped for a smooth cooking process.
Preparing The Pumpkin
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- Rinse the medium pumpkin thoroughly.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a circular opening around the top. Remove the seeds and pulp.
- Apply a light sprinkle of salt inside. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Place the pumpkin in a wide roasting pan. Roast until tender.
| Step | Time/Temp |
|---|---|
| Oven Preheat | 375 F |
| Pumpkin Roasting | 45 minutes |
Cleaning The Shrimp
- Rinse the fresh shrimp under cold water.
- Peel each shrimp and remove the vein using a paring knife.
- Pat the shrimp dry with clean towels.
- Keep them chilled until ready to cook.
Directions
Now that our pumpkin is roasted we can begin assembling Camarao Na Moranga. Follow these steps for a bold and creamy shrimp centerpiece.
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Roasting the pumpkin | 45 min |
| Cooking the shrimp filling | 10 min |
| Final baking | 15 min |
Cooking The Shrimp Filling
- Warm a deep skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add onion, garlic, and chopped tomato. Stir frequently until the vegetables soften.
- Add shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink.
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Blend gently until the sauce becomes smooth.
Filling And Baking
- Remove the roasted squash from the oven. Spoon the shrimp filling into the pumpkin with care.
- Return the filled pumpkin to the baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until the stew bubbles at the edges.
- Top with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while the squash is hot.
Make-Ahead And Storage
We can prepare Camarao Na Moranga in stages to save time. We roast the pumpkin one day before and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. We keep the shrimp filling in a separate airtight container to maintain freshness.
When we are ready to serve we warm the roasted pumpkin in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. We gently reheat the filling on the stove over low heat. We then fill the pumpkin with the hot mixture and bake as directed to finish.
If we have leftovers we store them in the fridge or freezer according to the guidelines below:
| Storage Method | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 2 days |
| Freezer | 2 months |
To reheat single servings we use the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For bigger portions we place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until hot.
Conclusion
We love how Camarao Na Moranga showcases Brazil’s coastal flair and comforting warmth in every bite. The combination of sweet squash and succulent shrimp creates a memorable experience that’s both inviting and irresistible. We hope this dish enriches your dining table with its vibrant presentation and bold flavors. It’s a recipe we’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camarao Na Moranga?
Camarao Na Moranga is a popular Brazilian dish that translates to “shrimp in a pumpkin.” It features a roasted pumpkin filled with a creamy shrimp stew. The sweetness of the pumpkin complements the juicy shrimp, creating a rich, flavorful meal that represents the essence of Brazil’s coastal cuisine.
How do I roast the pumpkin for this dish?
Begin by rinsing the pumpkin, cutting a circular opening, removing its seeds, and seasoning with salt and oil. Place the pumpkin on a roasting pan in a preheated 375°F oven. Roast for about 45 minutes, or until fork-tender. This process helps the pumpkin develop a sweet, caramelized flavor.
What ingredients are essential for Camarao Na Moranga?
You’ll need a medium pumpkin, fresh shrimp, olive oil, onion, garlic, tomato, heavy cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro. These ingredients work together to achieve the dish’s creamy texture and balanced flavor. Make sure to peel and devein your shrimp, chop the vegetables, and prepare each component before cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer any remaining shrimp and pumpkin to airtight containers. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. If you prefer to freeze, use freezer-safe containers and keep leftovers for up to two months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to maintain the creamy consistency.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
Yes. You can roast the pumpkin ahead of time and store it, once cooled, in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Prepare the shrimp mixture separately and keep it in another airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, reheat both components, assemble the stew in the pumpkin, and bake for 15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly.