Caruru

Caruru is a Brazilian dish consisting of okra, dried shrimps, onions, and toasted nuts cooked in dendê palm oil. In the Bahia region, caruru is traditionally consumed as a condiment alongside acarajé, a type of street food consisting of fried black-eyed peas.

Although the dish has African origins, it is considered to be a Brazilian dish which was exported out of Africa by the slaves who worked on sugar plantations in Brazil. Caruru is a staple of Afro-Brazilian religious ceremonies, where it's known under the name amalá, and it is a favorite of Xango, the Yoruba African god of fire.

It is also the main meal that is served during the September festivities honoring Cosme and Damien, the twin saints of Bahian Afro-Catholic culture. The dish is traditionally served to guests as a sign of celebrating family ties and friendship.