Brazilian recipe
Traditional Bahian Fish Stew (Moqueca baiana)
A classic and authentic recipe for Bahian fish stew, featuring fresh fish, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic palm oil. A quintessential Brazilian dish.
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Ingredients
1 kg white fish (sea bass, shark, or mahi-mahi) cut into steaks or chunks
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, crushed
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
1/2 cup palm oil (dendê)
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, crushed
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
1/2 cup palm oil (dendê)
Where to find ingredients
Find fresh white fish at local fishmongers or markets. Coconut milk, palm oil (dendê), and fresh cilantro are typically available in international grocery stores or specialty markets. As a substitute for dendê oil, one could use high-quality red palm oil, though the flavor profile will remain unique to the original ingredient.
Preparation method
- Season the fish steaks or chunks with the lemon juice, crushed garlic, and salt.
- Let the fish marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- In a clay pot or deep skillet, arrange half of the onion, tomato, and bell pepper slices to form a base.
- Place the seasoned fish pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Cover the fish with the remaining onion, tomato, and bell pepper slices.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped cilantro over the vegetables and fish.
- Drizzle evenly with the palm oil and then with the coconut milk.
- Cover the pot and place over medium heat.
- Cook for approximately 20 minutes.
- Check if the fish is cooked through and tender, taking care not to let it break apart.
- If necessary, continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Finish by sprinkling the remaining chopped cilantro over the stew before serving hot.
Observations
The Bahian moqueca is one of the most celebrated dishes in Brazilian cuisine, deeply rooted in the Afro-Brazilian culture of Bahia. This rich and fragrant stew perfectly blends the delicate texture of fresh fish with the sweetness of coconut milk and the distinct, vibrant flavor of dendê (palm) oil. It is a comforting and celebratory meal, ideal for sharing with family and friends, traditionally served alongside white rice, toasted cassava flour (farofa), and a savory fish stock porridge known as pirão, all of which complement its unique texture and bold taste.
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