A keto adaptation of the Afro-Brazilian Abará, traditionally made from mashed black-eyed peas. This version uses steamed cauliflower puree as the base, seasoned with dendê oil (palm oil), coconut milk, and spices. It's often steamed in banana leaves and topped with a spicy shrimp vatapá (keto version) or dried shrimp.

Key ingredients

Cauliflower, shrimp, dendê oil (palm oil), coconut milk, onions, garlic, ginger, bell peppers, cashews (optional, for texture), salt, pepper, malagueta peppers (optional), banana leaves for steaming.

If you order it anyway

Verify that the base for the Abará is cauliflower, not black-eyed peas. Ensure any accompanying vatapá or sauces are also keto-friendly (e.g., made with cauliflower/zucchini cream, no bread).

If you order it anyway, say this (Portuguese)

A base do Abará de Couve-Flor é realmente couve-flor, e não feijão-fradinho? Os molhos ou vatapá são keto, sem pão?

Is the Abará de Couve-Flor base truly cauliflower, not black-eyed peas? Please confirm any vatapá or sauces are keto-friendly, without bread.

Watch out for

The traditional Abará is made from black-eyed peas, which are high in carbs. Accompanying sauces like vatapá can contain bread or starches. Dendê oil is high in fat but can be used in moderation.

Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.