Yields: 4 servings Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes
Moqueca is a flavorful and aromatic Brazilian seafood stew that embodies the vibrant culinary traditions of the country. This recipe focuses on Moqueca de Peixe (fish stew), but you can easily adapt it to include shrimp or other seafood.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs firm white fish fillets (such as cod, sea bass, or tilapia), cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate the fish: In a large bowl, combine the fish pieces with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and coconut milk: Stir in the diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Cook the fish: Gently add the marinated fish pieces to the pot. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish the stew: Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the moqueca hot over cooked white rice.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, you can add dendê oil (palm oil), a traditional ingredient in Brazilian moqueca. Use it sparingly, as it has a strong flavor.
- You can add shrimp, scallops, or other seafood to the stew along with the fish.
- Serve with farofa (toasted cassava flour) or pirão (a thick fish stew gravy) for a more authentic Brazilian meal.
- add a little hot sauce to the finished dish for an extra kick.
Enjoy this delicious and vibrant Brazilian dish!