Moqueca is a traditional Brazilian fish stew that is full of vibrant flavors, combining fresh fish, coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and fragrant herbs. This dish is known for its light, tropical taste, making it perfect for a special dinner or a taste of Brazil at home. Moqueca can vary by region, with both Bahian and Capixaba versions being popular. This recipe leans towards the Bahian style, which includes coconut milk and palm oil. Serve it with rice and farofa for a truly authentic Brazilian meal.
Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)
- 500 g (about 1 lb) of firm white fish fillets (such as sea bass, snapper, or cod)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or dendê/palm oil for Bahian style)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or dendê/palm oil)
Instructions
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Marinate the fish: In a bowl, season the fish fillets with lime juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pan or clay pot, heat the olive oil (or dendê oil) over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, red and yellow bell peppers, and sauté until softened. Add the sliced tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the fish and coconut milk: Gently place the marinated fish fillets on top of the sautéed vegetables. Pour the coconut milk over the fish and sprinkle with smoked paprika, ground cumin (if using), and half of the chopped cilantro and parsley.
- Simmer the moqueca: Cover the pan and let the stew simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
- Garnish and serve: Once the fish is cooked, remove from heat and garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro and parsley. Serve the moqueca hot with white rice and farofa on the side.
This delicious moqueca is a flavorful, creamy stew that captures the essence of Brazilian coastal cuisine. The combination of fresh fish, coconut milk, and fragrant herbs creates a dish that is both comforting and light. Enjoy!
