Brazilian Fish Stew

Brazilian Fish Stew, also referred to as Moqueca, is a vibrant, flavorful dish that showcases the wealthy culinary traditions of Brazil’s coastal areas. This comforting stew options tender chunks of white fish simmered in a aromatic broth of coconut milk, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a contact of lime, creating an ideal stability of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of daring, tropical flavors
• Makes use of easy, healthful components
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
• Fast and straightforward to organize in underneath an hour
• A wholesome supply of lean protein and important vitamins
• A good way to get pleasure from seafood with a novel twist
• Versatile sufficient for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends

Components

(Tip: You’ll discover the complete checklist of components and measurements within the recipe card under.)

• 1½ kilos agency white fish (reminiscent of cod, halibut, or sea bass), reduce into chunks
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to style
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or dendê oil (Brazilian crimson palm oil)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 crimson bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (non-obligatory)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• ½ cup recent cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika (non-obligatory)
• 1 small chili (non-obligatory, for warmth)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, marinate the fish with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Put aside for 15–20 minutes.
2. In a big pot or Dutch oven, warmth the oil over medium warmth. Sauté the onions and bell peppers till softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste (if utilizing). Cook dinner for 3–4 minutes till the tomatoes soften.
4. Gently layer the marinated fish over the greens. Pour within the coconut milk and convey to a mild simmer.
5. Cowl and prepare dinner for 15–20 minutes, till the fish is cooked by means of and flakes simply.
6. Stir in chopped cilantro, style, and modify seasoning if wanted.
7. Serve scorching with white rice or crusty bread and lime wedges on the aspect.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook dinner Time: 25 minutes
• Whole Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Seafood Moqueca: Add shrimp or scallops together with the fish.
• Vegetarian model: Use hearty greens like eggplant, squash, and mushrooms as a substitute of fish.
• Spicy model: Embrace extra chili or a splash of scorching sauce.
• Bahian type: Use conventional dendê oil for genuine taste.
• Lighter model: Skip the coconut milk and use broth and tomatoes for a lighter stew.

Storage/reheating

• Fridge: Retailer in an hermetic container for as much as 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for as much as 2 months. Thaw in a single day earlier than reheating.
• Reheating: Gently heat on the stovetop over medium-low warmth. Keep away from boiling to forestall the fish from breaking up.

FAQs

What sort of fish is finest for Brazilian Fish Stew?

Use agency white fish like cod, halibut, sea bass, or snapper that may maintain as much as simmering.

Can I take advantage of frozen fish?

Sure, simply make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry earlier than marinating and cooking.

Is dendê oil mandatory?

It provides genuine taste, however olive oil or coconut oil can be utilized as substitutes.

Is that this dish spicy?

It may be gentle or spicy relying on the chili used. Alter to your choice.

Can I add different seafood?

Sure, shrimp, scallops, and mussels are nice additions for a combined seafood stew.

What ought to I serve with this stew?

Serve with steamed rice, crusty bread, or farofa (toasted cassava flour).

Can I make this forward of time?

Sure, it reheats properly, however add the cilantro simply earlier than serving for freshness.

Is Brazilian Fish Stew wholesome?

Sure, it’s full of lean protein, greens, and wholesome fat from coconut milk.

Can I take advantage of canned tomatoes?

Recent is finest for taste, however canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.

How do I thicken the broth?

Simmer uncovered a bit longer, or mash a few of the greens to assist thicken naturally.

Conclusion

Brazilian Fish Stew is a scrumptious, nourishing dish that brings the daring and tropical flavors of Brazil to your kitchen. With its silky coconut broth, recent herbs, and tender fish, it’s the proper consolation meals that’s additionally wholesome and straightforward to make. Give it a try to get pleasure from a style of South America in your subsequent meal.

Print