For our Artist's Palate back page in the Born in Brazil issue of Wallpaper* (see W*135) Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto sent us his recipe for Vatapa in the form of a song by the revered Brazilian songwriter Dorival Caymmi. There’s something flamboyantly, not to mention stereotypically, Brazilian about the idea that you would sing a recipe.
Vatapa (Dorival Caymmi)
Who wants vatapa, o
How do you get one
First the cornmeal
Then the palm
Find a black girl from Bahia, o
Who knows how to move
Who knows how to move
Who knows how to move
Find a black girl from Bahia, o
Who knows how to move
Who knows how to move
Who knows how to move
Mix in cashew nuts
A little more
Chilli pepper
A little more
Mix in cashew nuts
A little more
Chilli pepper
A little more
Peanuts, shrimp, a little coconut
When it starts to brown
Salt with ginger and onion, Yaya
When it's time to season
Do not stop moving, o
To prevent any lumps
Put the pan on the fire
Do not let it burn
With ten thousand réis and a black girl
You can get vatapa
You can get vatapa
Good vatapa
Mix in cashew nuts
A little more
Chilli pepper
A little more
Mix in cashew nuts
A little more
Chilli pepper
A little more
Peanuts, shrimp, a little coconut
When it starts to brown
Salt with ginger and onion