Recipes of the World - Moqueca
I keep seeing lots of food posts on Steemit and yet nobody ever puts up how to make these delicious dishes, so I thought it time to actually put up a recipe each day from around the world to encourage you to try something new. Today's recipe is Moqueca - Brazilian Fish Stew
Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca) Recipe
Ingredients:
1 kg (2.2 lbs) white fish fillets (such as cod or sea bass), cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tomatoes, diced
200 ml (7 oz) coconut milk
1 cup fish or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Marinate the Fish: In a large bowl, combine fish chunks with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and tomatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
Spices and Broth: Stir in the paprika, cumin, and coriander. Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add Coconut Milk: Stir in the coconut milk and let the stew simmer for another 10 minutes.
Cook the Fish: Gently place the marinated fish chunks into the stew. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
Finishing Touch: Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve with rice or crusty bread.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Moqueca:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh fish and vegetables will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the stew.
Don't Overcook the Fish: To maintain the fish's tender texture, make sure to simmer it gently and avoid overcooking.
Balance the Acidity: The lime juice adds a beautiful tang to the stew. Adjust it to your taste preference, but be careful not to overpower the dish.
Herbs Matter: Fresh cilantro and parsley brighten up the dish and add a lovely aroma. Don't skip them!
Customize Your Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a finely chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Give It Time: Allow the stew to simmer gently so the flavors meld together. Patience is key to a rich and flavorful Moqueca.
