June 28, 2023 | Last Updated on July 9, 2023 by Patricia Valbrun
Wait till you try this BRAZILIAN Fish Stew (Moqueca Baiana)! Brace yourself for an irresistible tomato coconut sauce with a zesty kick of lime.
It's an exotic and refreshing twist on serving fish that will blow your taste buds away! You can serve this dish with Mashed Potatoes, Fried Plantains or Yellow Rice and Red Beans.
And the best part? It's effortless to make so you can savor the mouthwatering deliciousness without fuss.
Brazilian Fish Stew
Moqueca. It's a dish with a special place in my heart and taste buds. Brazilian Fish Stew ( Moqueca Baiana) takes me on a flavor journey that I can't resist.
When I first tasted Moqueca, I was instantly hooked. The tender fish, immersed in a fragrant tomato and coconut broth, made my taste buds dance happily.
Ingredients in Brazilian Fish Stew
- Filets of Cod Fish: Offers a tender and mild flavor to the stew.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a hint of warmth.
- Thyme and Rosemary: Infuses the stew with aromatic herbal notes.
- Shallots: Adds a sweet and delicate onion flavor to the stew's base.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the stew a rich, thick consistency.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the stew.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a spicy kick, adding a touch of heat.
- Ginger Paste: Infuses the stew with a warm and slightly tangy flavor.
- Chicken Stock: Provides a savory and flavorful liquid base for the stew.
- Spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and a touch of freshness.
- Honey: Balances the flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Lemon: Adds a bright, citrusy note that lifts the stew's flavors.
- Roasted Garlic Cloves: Offers a rich and mellow garlic flavor, adding depth to the stew.
- Roasted Tomatoes: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a smoky undertone.
- Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy and luscious texture while imparting a subtle tropical flavor to the stew.
How to Make Brazilian Fish Stew
I want to take you on a culinary journey to Brazil as we explore the delightful and authentic Brazilian Fish Stew ( Moqueca Baiana). Trust me.
Get ready to elevate your fish stew game to a whole new level of extraordinary!
- Begin by seasoning your cod fish with a drizzle of olive oil, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat a medium pan over medium heat and add olive oil or butter, rosemary, and thyme.
- Cook the rosemary and thyme in the oil to release their flavors. Then, pan-fry the seasoned cod fish for approximately 2 minutes on each side.
- Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and let it rest.
- On a sheet pan, place garlic, tomatoes, a sprinkle of salt, and basil. Broil the ingredients for about 3 minutes until they turn brown and become toasted.
- Transfer the roasted garlic, tomatoes, salt, and basil to a blender. Add coconut milk to the blender as well.
- In the same pan used for cooking the fish, sauté the shallots until they become tender. Next, pour in the coconut veggie puree blend from the blender. Add black pepper, pepper flakes, basil, and chicken stock seasonings. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes.
- Finally, add spinach and lemon juice to the pan and let it simmer for another few minutes to allow the spinach to cook. Add the fish back into the pan and your all done!
This dish is a true gem that captures the vibrant flavors of Brazil and will leave you craving more. Let's get ready to dive into the world of Moqueca and uncover its secrets!
What is Moqueca?
Moqueca is a traditional Brazilian fish stew that originated in the coastal regions of Brazil, particularly in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo.
It is a flavorful and hearty dish showcasing the country's diverse culinary influences.
The main components of Moqueca are fish (typically white fish like cod or snapper), onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, cilantro, and various spices and seasonings.
Brazilian Food Cultural
When I think of Brazilian food, I think of a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape that instantly comes to mind. It's a fusion of flavors, colors, and textures that ignite the senses and create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Brazilian cuisine reflects the country's rich cultural heritage, influenced by indigenous traditions, Portuguese colonization, African roots, and immigrant communities.
One of the first things that comes to mind is the famous churrasco, the Brazilian barbecue. The sight of succulent cuts of meat being grilled to perfection on skewers over open flames immediately evokes feelings of indulgence and celebration. The aroma that fills the air is simply irresistible.
The Best Fish for Soups or Stews
Fresh Atlantic cod is a fantastic option when choosing fish for soups or stews. Fresh cod is known for its mild flavor, firm texture, and ability to hold its shape well during cooking.
It is a versatile fish that pairs well with various ingredients and flavors commonly found in soups and stews.
Where To Find The Best Fish?
To find the best fish for Moqueca or any seafood dish, consider local fish markets and reputable supermarkets.
Some popular supermarkets include your local Caribbean Market, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Safeway, Kroger, and Wegmans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Cook Cod Fish ? Pan fry cod fish for two minutes on each side or you can bake it.
What does Brazilian Stew Taste Like? The broth of a Brazilian stew is typically savory, combining umami notes from the fish or seafood, tanginess from tomatoes or lime juice, and a touch of sweetness from coconut milk or tropical fruits.
Can I use any fish for Moqueca? Certainly! While traditionally, Moqueca is made with firm white fish like cod or snapper. You can choose any fish that you prefer.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of Moqueca? Absolutely! There are vegetarian and vegan versions of Moqueca that substitute fish with plant-based alternatives like tofu or vegetables.
What spices and seasonings are commonly used in Moqueca? Commonly used spices include garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, coriander, and bay leaves. Additionally, fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley enhance the flavors.
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Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca Baiana)
Ingredients
Pan Fried Cod
- 2 Atlantic Cod Fish
- 3 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 springs of thyme and rosemary
Tomato and Coconut Pure:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 - 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 2 ½ cups roasted tomatoes
- 8 roasted garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ cup shallots
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon lime or lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Seasoning the Cod Fish
- Season the cod fish by coating it with olive oil, paprika, and salt.
Step 2: Pan Frying the Cod Fish
- Heat a medium pan over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter, along with rosemary and thyme. Cook the rosemary and thyme in the oil to infuse the flavors.
- Place the seasoned cod fish in the pan and cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side.
- Remove the fish from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Roasting Garlic and Tomatoes
- Preheat a sheet pan. Place garlic cloves, tomatoes, a sprinkle of salt, and basil on the sheet pan.
- Broil the ingredients for about 3 minutes until they turn brown and become toasted.
Step 4: Creating the Sauce
- Transfer the roasted garlic cloves, tomatoes, salt, and basil to a blender.
- Add coconut milk to the blender. Blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Sautéing Shallots and Simmering the Sauce
- In the same pan used for cooking the fish, sauté the shallots until they become tender. Pour the coconut veggie puree blend from the blender into the pan.
- Add seasonings such as black pepper, pepper flakes, and basil, along with chicken stock.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Adding Spinach and Lemon Juice
- Add spinach and lemon juice to the pan. Let the stew simmer for another few minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors are well incorporated and then add your fish into the sauce.
- You're now ready to serve the delicious Brazilian Fish Stew. Enjoy!
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