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Moqueca Fish Stew

Freshly prepared Moqueca Fish Stew served in rustic bowl

Moqueca Fish Stew is a vibrant Brazilian seafood dish featuring fresh fish simmered in a fragrant blend of coconut milk, tomatoes, and peppers, delivering rich and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs firm white fish fillets (such as cod or snapper), cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  5. Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Carefully add the fish chunks to the skillet, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
  7. Stir in the lime juice, cilantro, and green onions just before serving.
  8. Serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the fish with lime juice and spices for 20 minutes before cooking. This stew pairs excellently with white rice and a side of sautéed greens.