Brazilian recipe
Creamy Coconut Fish Stew (Peixe ao leite de coco)
Discover how to prepare this classic Brazilian coconut milk fish stew. It’s a simple, velvety, and flavour-packed dish that’s perfect for a nourishing weeknight meal.
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Ingredients
1 kg cação (firm white fish), cut into steaks or chunks
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
Sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh coriander, and chopped parsley to taste
800 ml coconut milk (approx. 2 standard tins)
2 ripe tomatoes, peeled, deseeded, and diced
1 tbsp cornflour, dissolved in a splash of water
4 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
1 lemon, juiced for marinating
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
Sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh coriander, and chopped parsley to taste
800 ml coconut milk (approx. 2 standard tins)
2 ripe tomatoes, peeled, deseeded, and diced
1 tbsp cornflour, dissolved in a splash of water
4 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
1 lemon, juiced for marinating
Where to find ingredients
You can find firm white fish like shark (cação) or alternatives such as blue-eye trevalla or ling at local fishmongers or the seafood counter at supermarkets like Woolworths or Coles. Fresh herbs and aromatics are readily available in the produce section of any local greengrocer or supermarket.
Preparation method
- Season the fish with lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the fish in the fridge and leave to marinate for 1 hour.
- Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pan and sauté the tomatoes until they soften into a sauce.
- Pour the coconut milk into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the fish to the pan and poach for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is tender and opaque.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Towards the end of the cooking time, stir in the fresh coriander, parsley, and the dissolved cornflour.
- Stir gently to combine without breaking the fish pieces.
- Allow the sauce to thicken slightly for a few minutes before removing from the heat.
Observations
This coconut milk fish stew is a quintessential Brazilian comfort dish that balances the delicate texture of firm fish with the rich, aromatic profile of coconut cream. It is highly valued for its straightforward preparation and deep flavours, making it a stellar choice for anyone looking to pull together a delicious and fuss-free dinner. By simmering fresh ingredients in a gentle sauce, you achieve a wonderfully creamy result that pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or fresh steamed greens.
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