– 1.5 pounds white fish fillets (such as cod or snapper)
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Creating this delightful Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca) is simple when following these easy steps:
1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting the fish fillets into large chunks for even cooking.
2. Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced bell pepper and diced tomato. Cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
5. Season: Sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables with spices.
6. Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook Fish: Carefully add the fish chunks to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Finish with Lime Juice: Stir in the lime juice and half of the chopped cilantro.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to your preference.
10. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with the remaining cilantro and lime wedges on the side.