Cuisine: Moqueca - How to make this Brazilian fish stew

 

Moqueca is a delicious Brazilian fish stew that's rich in flavor and often made with coconut milk. Here's a detailed recipe:

Ingredients:

**For the Marinade:**

- 1.5 lbs firm white fish fillets (snapper, grouper), cut into chunks

- 1/4 cup lime or lemon juice

- Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Moqueca:**

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, thinly sliced

- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

- 2 tomatoes, diced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

- Salt and pepper to taste

**For Garnish:**

- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

- Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. **Marinate the Fish:**

   - Place the fish chunks in a bowl.

   - Add lime or lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

   - Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

2. **Prepare the Moqueca:**

   - In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   - Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until softened.

3. **Add Aromatics and Spices:**

   - Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, cilantro, parsley, paprika, cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes break down.

4. **Incorporate Coconut Milk:**

   - Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine all ingredients.

   - Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. **Simmer with Fish:**

   - Gently add the marinated fish chunks to the pot.

   - Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.

6. **Adjust Seasoning:**

   - Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.

7. **Serve:**

   - Once the fish is cooked, remove from heat.

   - Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve hot with lime wedges.

8. **Accompaniments:**

   - Moqueca is traditionally served with rice, and you can also enjoy it with crusty bread.

Note: Moqueca can be made with various types of seafood, and the choice of fish can be adjusted based on availability and personal preference. Adjust spice levels according to your taste.