Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Bahia-style moqueca, a traditional Brazilian stew that captures the essence of coastal cuisine. This delectable dish, pronounced "mo-ke-ka," is a harmonious blend of succulent prawns, aromatic herbs, and a rich coconut broth, all simmered together in a traditional clay pot. Originating from the northeastern state of Bahia, moqueca has become a culinary symbol of Brazil, celebrated for its vibrant colors, complex flavors, and the enchanting aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the authentic recipe for Bahia-style moqueca, along with variations that showcase the diversity of this beloved dish. From the classic prawn moqueca to delightful adaptations featuring fish, vegetables, or a combination of seafood, each recipe promises a unique taste experience that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Brazil. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Brazilian cuisine.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
MOQUECA BAIANA (BRAZILIAN FISH STEW)
Bold, flavorful and exotic, this fish and shrimp stew is one of Brazil's most famous dishes and is always a hit!
Provided by Olivia Mesquita
Categories Brazilian Food
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place fish and shrimp in a large bowl. Season with the lime juice, salt and pepper. Reserve in the fridge.
- In a large clay pot (or dutch oven), heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and chopped chili pepper and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Arrange half of the tomato slices on the bottom of the pot. Then add a layer of half the bell peppers, half the sliced onions, half of the fish, half of the shrimp and 1/3 of the cilantro. Season gently with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Repeat the layering with all the ingredients, making sure to season again at the end. Reserve 1/3 of the cilantro for garnishing before serving.
- Pour the coconut milk, add the dendê oil and the crumbled bouillon, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then cover, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the fish and shrimp are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook it, as you don't want the fish to fall apart. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add more dendê oil, if desired.
- Garnish with the reserved cilantro and serve with white rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 709 calories
MOQUECA (BRAZILIAN SEAFOOD STEW)
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
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.
BRAZILIAN FISH STEW (MOQUECA CAPIXABA)
We usually encounter only one version of Brazil's signature dish in this country - the one from Bahia, rich and almost currylike with coconut milk and dendê oil. This lighter one, from Espírito Santo, reflects that state's long coastline: Its bright broth results from the fish, tomatoes, lime juice, and vegetables, which meld beautifully. And it couldn't be easier. You simply layer the marinated seafood with the other ingredients in a cold pan and turn up the heat, simmering for just 20 minutes.
Categories Citrus Fish Herb Onion Pepper Tomato Marinate Dinner Gourmet Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Pat fish fillets dry and put in a bowl. Stir together lime juice, malagueta peppers, 1 tablespoon garlic, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, then pour over fish and toss to combine. Marinate, covered and chilled, 30 minutes. Add shrimp and chill at least 30 minutes but no longer than 1 1/2 hours more.
- Put tomatoes in bottom of a wide 5- to 6-quart heavy pot. Top with onion and remaining tablespoon garlic, then sprinkle with bell peppers. Place plantains on top of vegetables. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Arrange fish in 1 layer on top of plantain. Sprinkle cilantro and parsley over fish, then arrange shrimp in 1 layer over herbs, reserving marinade. Pour oil and marinade evenly over mixture in pot.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover pot. Adjust heat to gently simmer until vegetables are softened and have released liquid and fish is just cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Serve stew over soft manioc polenta .
MOQUECA (BAHIAN FISH STEW)
Provided by Nancy Harmon Jenkins
Categories project, main course
Time 4h20m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- First make the fish stock. In a stockpot, combine the shrimp shells; fish heads and scraps; the quartered onion; 1 of the garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed; 4 of the scallions; the bay leaf, and parsley. Add the water, and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat, and just barely simmer for about 2 hours or until the stock is well flavored. Strain, discarding the solids, and reserve. You should have about 5 cups of stock. The stock can be made well ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.
- Place the shrimp, fish steaks and scallops on a deep platter, and sprinkle with lemon juice; lime juice; 1 clove of the garlic, finely chopped; salt, and pepper. Cover and set aside to marinate not less than 1 nor more than 2 hours. Turn the seafood at least once during this time. Rinse and debeard the mussels. Pick over the crab, discarding any bits of shell and cartilage. Reserve the mussels and crab until ready to use.
- In a large stockpot over medium heat, saute the chopped onion; the remaining 6 cloves of garlic, chopped; the remaining scallions, and the bell peppers in olive oil, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are thoroughly wilted, about 10 minutes. Add 2 cups of the strained fish stock, the tomatoes and coriander, and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer very gently for about 1 hour.
- When the sauce has finished cooking, puree in a food processor or pass through a food mill. For a more elegant presentation, strain the resulting puree through a sieve. Return the puree to the stove over very low heat. Stir in the coconut milk, and let cook gently for 2 or 3 minutes, then add the palm oil and stir it in. Taste, and add a little cayenne pepper. Add the marinated seafood along with any juices that may have accumulated. Add the mussels. Cover and simmer until the shellfish have opened and the fish steaks are thoroughly cooked, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the crab meat, stir in, and serve immediately.
- Pass the pepper sauce with the stew. A little spoonful (or more, depending on taste) should be drizzled over each serving.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when cooking the stew. This will prevent the prawns from cooking evenly.
- Simmer the stew gently over low heat for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve the stew with a side of rice or farofa.
- Garnish the stew with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
Conclusion:
Bahia-style moqueca prawn stew is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The combination of prawns, coconut milk, and spices creates a rich and satisfying stew that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting seafood dish to try, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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