Caldo de piranha

Caldo de piranha is a traditional soup prepared with piranha fish as the key ingredient. The dish is a specialty of the Pantanal area in Mato Grosso do Sul. Other ingredients that are commonly used to prepare the soup include onions, tomatoes, annatto, chili peppers, and a combination of coriander, parsley, and spring onions.

There are also variations with added garlic, lime juice, vinegar, and vegetables such as bell peppers. The piranha, a small bony fish without much meat is cleaned and boiled, then blended for the piranha stock, which is sieved to remove the bones.

The onions are sautéed in oil with tomatoes, annatto, herbs, chili, and piranha stock, and the combination is simmered shortly before the soup is served. Caldo de piranha is often served in a glass, and it's believed that the soup is especially good for men's virility and strength.