Moqueca, a vibrant and flavorful Brazilian stew, is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of coastal living. Originating from the state of Bahia, this seafood extravaganza combines the bounty of the sea with an array of aromatic spices and vegetables, resulting in a tantalizing symphony of flavors. Typically prepared in a traditional clay pot over an open fire, moqueca embodies the spirit of Brazilian cuisine, showcasing its love for bold flavors and vibrant colors. This article presents a collection of moqueca recipes that explore the diverse culinary traditions of Brazil, offering both classic and contemporary interpretations of this beloved dish.
From the traditional Moqueca Baiana, bursting with the flavors of coconut milk, tomatoes, and coriander, to the Moqueca de Camarão, where succulent shrimp take center stage, each recipe offers a unique taste experience. For those seeking a vegetarian alternative, the Moqueca de Palmito provides a delightful blend of palm hearts, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. And for a taste of the Amazon, the Moqueca Paraense tantalizes with its rich broth infused with the flavors of tucupi (a sauce made from wild cassava) and jambu leaves.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this collection of moqueca recipes will guide you through the process of creating this vibrant Brazilian stew. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Brazil and let the flavors of moqueca transport you to the sun-kissed beaches and vibrant markets of Bahia.
MOQUECA (BRAZILIAN FISH STEW)
This Brazilian dish may contain a few unexpected or even unfamiliar ingredients, but they are easy to find online and worth the search. The result is a tropical fish stew mellowed by slices of plantain and coconut milk and accompanied by the traditional hot sauce called piri-piri and farofa, the toasted cassava-meal accompaniment. Farofa is served all over South America with all kinds of dishes; this version, with caramelized onions adapted from Felipe Amaral in Rio de Janeiro, was my favorite. You can serve the moqueca without the farofa, if you prefer, but it helps to sop up the soupy liquid from the stew.
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories soups and stews, main course
Time 2h30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Make the farofa if desired: Melt butter in a skillet or shallow saucepan on medium heat. Add sliced onion, and cook, stirring, until it turns light brown. Stir in manioc and cook, stirring, 5 to 8 minutes, until it starts to toast. Cover and keep warm.
- Make the fish broth: Cut each bass fillet in 4 or 5 pieces, cover and refrigerate. Place trimmings in a 3-quart stovetop casserole, preferably an earthenware pot. Lightly salt shrimp, cover and refrigerate. Place shells in the pot. Add 5 cups water; the bay leaves; the turnip; 2 onions, chopped; 2 tomatoes, chopped; half the shishito peppers; the garlic; and half the cilantro and chives. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 45 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Heat oven to 450 degrees. Cut a slit in the skin of the plantain, wrap in foil and bake 20 minutes, until flesh is tender. Cool.
- Strain broth into a bowl, pressing on the solids. Discard solids and return broth to pot. Cook over medium heat until reduced to 1 1/2 cups.
- Slice remaining tomatoes and remaining onion 1/4 inch thick and add to pot. Add bell peppers, Cubanelle peppers, remaining shishito peppers, remaining chives and all but 1 tablespoon remaining cilantro. Bring to a simmer and cook about 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Peel plantain and slice it 1/2 inch thick. Add to pot. Add coconut milk and dende oil. Add fish and octopus, if using, and simmer 5 minutes. Rinse and dry shrimp and squid, if using, and add to pot. Simmer 3 minutes. Check seasonings. Strew remaining cilantro on top, garnish with a red chile and serve over rice directly from the pot, with farofa and piri-piri on the side.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 696, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 62 grams, Fat 33 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 41 grams, SaturatedFat 21 grams, Sodium 1288 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 0 grams
BRAZILIAN SHRIMP AND FISH STEW (MOQUECA)
Steps:
- Note from the test kitchen Pickled hot cherry peppers are usually sold jarred, next to the pickles or jarred roasted red peppers at the supermarket. Haddock or other firm-fleshed, flaky whitefish may be substituted for cod. We prefer untreated shrimp, but if your shrimp are treated with sodium, do not add salt to the shrimp in step 2. Our favorite coconut milk is made by Aroy-D. Serve with steamed white rice.
- 1. FOR THE PEPPER SAUCE: Process all ingredients in food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Season with salt to taste and transfer to separate bowl. Rinse out processor bowl.
- 2. FOR THE STEW: Toss shrimp and cod with garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in bowl. Set aside.
- 3. Process onion, tomatoes and their juice, and ¼ cup cilantro in food processor until finely chopped and mixture has texture of pureed salsa, about 30 seconds.
- 4. Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add red and green bell peppers and ½ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add onion-tomato mixture and ½ teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until puree has reduced and thickened slightly, 3 to 5 minutes (pot should not be dry).
- 5. Increase heat to high, stir in coconut milk, and bring to boil (mixture should be bubbling across entire surface). Add seafood mixture and lime juice and stir to evenly distribute seafood, making sure all pieces are submerged in liquid. Cover pot and remove from heat. Let stand until shrimp and cod are opaque and just cooked through, 15 minutes.
- 6. Gently stir in 2 tablespoons pepper sauce and remaining ½ cup cilantro, being careful not to break up cod too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, passing remaining pepper sauce separately.
BRAZILIAN SHRIMP STEW (MOQUECA DE CAMAROES)
A delicious, easy to make bowl of soup that is Low Carb, Paleo, and Whole 30 compliant! I found this recipe on www.ibreatheimhungry.com". Its absolutely delicious!
Provided by Lyncca Harvey
Categories Stew
Time 50m
Yield 1 cups, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan.
- Saute onions for several minutes until translucent, then add the garlic and peppers and cook for several minutes more.
- Add the tomatoes, shrimp and cilantro to the pan and simmer gently until the shrimp turns opaque.
- Pour in the coconut milk and Sriracha sauce, and cook just until heated through - do not boil.
- Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 352.1, Fat 18.3, SaturatedFat 9, Cholesterol 143.2, Sodium 1007.2, Carbohydrate 31.1, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 25.8, Protein 16.7
Tips:
- Use fresh seafood. This will give your moqueca the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the seafood. It should be cooked through, but still tender and juicy.
- Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, flavor, and texture to your stew.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs. Moqueca is a versatile dish that can be customized to your own taste.
- Serve moqueca with rice or farofa. This will help to soak up the delicious broth.
Conclusion:
Moqueca is a delicious and flavorful Brazilian stew that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. So next time you are looking for a new seafood recipe, give moqueca a try!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love