MOQUECA (BRAZILIAN SEAFOOD STEW)

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Moqueca (Brazilian Seafood Stew) image

Moqueca hails from the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil, the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture and its rich culinary heritage. Built on the freshest seafood you can find, moqueca delivers a creamy, spicy richness with just a few central ingredients. The dish begins with a base of sautéed garlic, onion, tomatoes and sweet peppers. A fresh chile adds heat that will linger gently, and coconut milk gives the stew body. Red palm oil (azeite de dendê in Portuguese) acts as the glue that holds this dish together. There is no substitute for its characteristic floral, smokelike flavor and vibrant orange sheen. Serve moqueca hot, alongside steamed white rice, farofa de pilão (made from manioc flour toasted in dendê oil), pirão (a creamy porridge made from cooking manioc flour in a fish or meat stock) and lime wedges for a bright finish.

Provided by Yewande Komolafe

Categories     dinner, weekday, soups and stews, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 head-on prawns or large head-on shrimp (about 12 ounces)
12 ounces cod fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces
Kosher salt
2 limes
3 tablespoons dendê oil (red palm oil; see Note)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small yellow onion, chopped (1 cup)
8 ounces sweet baby bell peppers or 2 bell peppers, any color, sliced into 1/4-inch strips (2 cups)
1 pound fresh tomatoes, cut in 1-inch-wide wedges (2 1/2 cups)
1 whole hot chile, such as red Scotch bonnet or bird's-eye, pierced all over with the tip of a knife
1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Steamed rice, for serving

Steps:

  • Use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut along the length of each prawn deep enough to expose and remove the vein. Place the fish chunks in a large bowl and season with 1 teaspoon salt. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and toss to coat. Set the prawns and fish aside while preparing the sauce.
  • In a large, shallow Dutch oven or large, deep skillet, melt 2 tablespoons dendê oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until softened and fragrant, 1 minute. Add the onion, stir and cook, stirring until translucent, about 2 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to high, add the peppers, tomatoes and chile. Season with salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the peppers are softened and any liquid from the tomatoes is beginning to evaporate, 4 minutes.
  • Pour in the coconut milk, stir and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens and reduces to a creamy sauce, about 10 minutes. Taste, adjust the salt, if necessary, and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro.
  • Carefully place the prawns in the sauce in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes. Turn the prawns to cook the other sides and add the cod. (Discard any juices in the bowl.) The fish will be partly submerged. Cook until the fish is tender and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, drizzle in the remaining 1 tablespoon dendê oil and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Slice the remaining lime into wedges. Serve immediately, with steamed rice and lime wedges for squeezing.

Juan Heredia
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This Moqueca was a bit too salty for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less salt.


Teslima Muhammed
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This Moqueca was a bit too spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less chili powder.


Ali Naqvi
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This Moqueca was a bit too thick for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less tomato paste.


Rikku Collins
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This Moqueca was a bit too watery for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less water.


abdulmumini Bala
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This Moqueca was a bit too starchy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less cornstarch.


Hamidu Sibye
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This Moqueca was a bit too oily for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less oil.


Abby Ledoux
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This Moqueca was a bit too bitter for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less bitter greens.


Brian Mimbs
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This Moqueca was a bit too sour for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less lemon juice.


Jayden Hurst
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This Moqueca was a bit too sweet for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less sugar.


Jannatul Riya
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This Moqueca was a bit too salty for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less salt.


mim sinha
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This Moqueca was a bit too spicy for me, but I still enjoyed it. The flavors were great, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. Next time, I'll use less spice.


tracey reid
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This Moqueca was a bit bland for my taste, but I think that's because I didn't add any additional spices. Next time, I'll add some more spice and see how it turns out.


Pathani Girl
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I'm not a huge fan of seafood, but this Moqueca was delicious. The flavors were amazing, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Lydia Tuazon
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This Moqueca was a hit with my family! Everyone loved the flavors, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


GeorgeOMG_05 Sanchez
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I love seafood stews, and this Moqueca is one of the best I've ever had. The broth is so flavorful, and the seafood is cooked perfectly. I highly recommend this recipe!


Greenland Chimeremeze
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This Moqueca was delicious! The flavors were amazing, and the seafood was cooked perfectly. I served it with some rice and black beans, and it was the perfect meal.


Faiqkhan22 Faiqkhan22
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I've never had Moqueca before, but this recipe made me a fan! The seafood was cooked perfectly, and the broth was so flavorful. I'll definitely be making this again.


Laura Towers
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This Moqueca recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers! The flavors are incredible, and the broth is so flavorful. I added a bit of extra spice to mine, and it was perfect. I served it with some rice, and it was the perfect meal.