Brazilian fish stew (Moqueca Baiana)

Not too rich, this refreshing dish will transport you to South America

Depositphotos_139506628_xl-2015

This traditional Brazilian dish uses a delicately flavoured coconut base broth with a good depth of flavour considering it’s relatively short ingredient list! The broth is quite refreshing and not too rich, unlike many strong flavoured, rich coconut based curries. It also works with other seafood.

AuthorHungry PandaCategoryDifficultyIntermediate

Yields4 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time40 minsTotal Time1 hr

INGREDIENTS FOR THE FISH
 500 g firm white fish fillet, no skin, cut to 2.5 cm cubes
 1 tbsp lime juice
 ¼ tsp salt
 pinch black pepper
 1 tbsp olive oil
INGREDIENTS FOR THE BROTH
 1 ½ tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 small onion, finely diced (brown, yellow or white)
 1 red bell pepper (large), halved and sliced
 1 ½ tsp sugar (any)
 1 tbsp cumin powder
 1 tbsp paprika
 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
 ½ tsp salt
 400 ml coconut milk (1 tin)
 400 ml canned crushed tomatoes
 1 cup fish broth/stock
FOR THE RICE AND GARNISH
 4 rice measuring cups long grain white rice
 1-2 tbsp lime juice , plus more for serving
 3 tbsp roughly chopped fresh coriander

HOW TO MAKE
1

Combine the fish, lime juice, oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

2

Bring 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan to a high heat. Add the fish and cook until just cooked through and golden brown. Set aside.

3

Add rice to your cooker bowl and fill with water to the white level line 4. Press the WHITE, REGULAR or LONG GRAIN rice function. Press START.

4

Use a medium high heat with 11⁄2 tbsp olive oil in the same pan. Add the garlic and onion and cook for 11⁄2 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.

5

Add the remaining broth ingredients. Bring to a simmer, then turn down to medium. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until it thickens. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

6

Return the fish to the broth to reheat for about 2 minutes. Stir in lime juice.

7

Garnish with coriander and serve with rice.

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS FOR THE FISH
 500 g firm white fish fillet, no skin, cut to 2.5 cm cubes
 1 tbsp lime juice
 ¼ tsp salt
 pinch black pepper
 1 tbsp olive oil
INGREDIENTS FOR THE BROTH
 1 ½ tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 small onion, finely diced (brown, yellow or white)
 1 red bell pepper (large), halved and sliced
 1 ½ tsp sugar (any)
 1 tbsp cumin powder
 1 tbsp paprika
 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
 ½ tsp salt
 400 ml coconut milk (1 tin)
 400 ml canned crushed tomatoes
 1 cup fish broth/stock
FOR THE RICE AND GARNISH
 4 rice measuring cups long grain white rice
 1-2 tbsp lime juice , plus more for serving
 3 tbsp roughly chopped fresh coriander

Directions

HOW TO MAKE
1

Combine the fish, lime juice, oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

2

Bring 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan to a high heat. Add the fish and cook until just cooked through and golden brown. Set aside.

3

Add rice to your cooker bowl and fill with water to the white level line 4. Press the WHITE, REGULAR or LONG GRAIN rice function. Press START.

4

Use a medium high heat with 11⁄2 tbsp olive oil in the same pan. Add the garlic and onion and cook for 11⁄2 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.

5

Add the remaining broth ingredients. Bring to a simmer, then turn down to medium. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until it thickens. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

6

Return the fish to the broth to reheat for about 2 minutes. Stir in lime juice.

7

Garnish with coriander and serve with rice.

Notes

Brazilian fish stew (Moqueca Baiana)

This recipe is best made with firm white fish fillets because they hold their shape better. Halibut, cod, hake, tilapia, bass, catfish, John Dory, barramundi or any kind of snapper!