2 lbs shrimp, head and shell-on (see note below)
1/2 tsp salt, more to taste
2 tbsp butter, divided
1/2 bunch cilantro, divided
8 black peppercorns (about 1 tsp)
1 lb fresh or frozen cassava, peeled and cut into 2” chunks
1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup diced)
2 medium tomatoes, quartered (about 1 cup)
1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup diced), divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2” fresh ginger, peeled and grated (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
1 (13oz) can coconut milk
4 tbsp sustainably-harvested red palm oil, divided
1 spicy red chili pepper (optional), seeds and ribs removed, diced
1.
Heat the stockpot over medium heat and whisk in the mashed cassava and 2 tbsp of the red palm oil, and stir until incorporated.
Warm the remaining 2 tbsp of palm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
Gently stir the browned shrimp into the soup along with the remaining 2 tbsp of yellow bell pepper and the spicy red chili pepper; increase heat to medium and simmer until the shrimp is bright pink and curling, about 3 minutes.