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Moqueca Fish Stew

Moqueca Fish Stew is a vibrant Brazilian seafood dish simmered with fresh fish, tomatoes, coconut milk, and aromatic herbs, offering a rich and flavorful experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs firm white fish fillets (such as cod or snapper), cut into chunks
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons palm oil (or substitute with additional olive oil)
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 chili pepper, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil and palm oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they break down.
  4. Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to combine.
  5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
  6. Gently add the fish chunks and chili pepper if using, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
  7. Sprinkle fresh cilantro before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Serve Moqueca with white rice and farofa for a traditional Brazilian meal. For extra flavor, add a splash of dendê oil if available.