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Brazilian recipe

Traditional Bahian Fish Stew (Moqueca Baiana)

A classic and authentic recipe for Bahian fish stew featuring fresh fish, coconut milk, and dendê oil. An unmissable Brazilian dish.

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20 min preparation 30 min cooking 6 portions 15 visualizações
Traditional Bahian Fish Stew (Moqueca Baiana)

Ingredients

1 kg white fish (sea bass, dogfish, dorado) cut into steaks or cubes
Juice of 1 lime
3 cloves garlic, mashed
Salt to taste
2 large onions, sliced into thick rounds
3 ripe tomatoes, sliced into thick rounds
1 green bell pepper, sliced into thick rounds
1 bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
200 ml coconut milk
½ cup dendê oil

Where to find ingredients

Fish can be purchased at most seafood markets and grocery stores. Lime, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers are available in the produce section of any supermarket. Fresh cilantro can be found in the herb section of grocery stores or at local farmers' markets. Coconut milk is typically found in the international foods aisle of supermarkets. Dendê oil can be found in specialty food stores, Latin American or African markets, and some larger supermarkets in the international foods section.

Preparation method

  1. Season the fish steaks or cubes with lime juice, mashed garlic, and salt
  2. Let the fish marinate for at least 20 minutes
  3. In an earthenware pot or deep skillet, arrange half of the onion, tomato, and bell pepper slices to form a base
  4. Arrange the seasoned fish steaks over the vegetables
  5. Cover the fish with the remaining onion, tomato, and bell pepper slices
  6. Sprinkle half of the chopped cilantro over the vegetables and fish
  7. Pour the dendê oil evenly, followed by the coconut milk
  8. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat
  9. Cook for approximately 20 minutes
  10. Check if the fish is cooked and tender, but not falling apart
  11. If necessary, continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes
  12. Finish by sprinkling the remaining chopped cilantro over the stew before serving hot

Observations

Bahian fish stew is one of the most celebrated dishes in Brazilian cuisine, with deep roots in the Afro-Brazilian culture of Bahia. This rich and aromatic stew combines the tenderness of fresh fish with the sweetness of coconut milk and the unmistakable flavor of dendê oil. It's a comforting and festive meal, ideal for sharing with family and friends, and traditionally served with accompaniments like white rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and pirão (fish and manioc flour porridge), which complement its texture and flavor.

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