Moqueca de Peixe Baiana (Brazilian Fish Stew)

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

This fish stew, called moqueca, is a very typical traditional Brazilian dish that originated in the Northeast. The palm oil gives it its distinctive flavor.

Ingredients

4 (4 ounce) fillets sea bass
4 tablespoons lime juice
3 cloves garlic, crushed
salt to taste
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons grated onion
3 tablespoons palm oil
1 large onion, cut into rings
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 tomatoes, seeded and sliced
1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 bunch green onions, chopped

Directions

1 Rinse sea bass under running cold water; pat dry. Place in a shallow dish and season with lime juice, garlic, and salt. Marinate for 30 minutes.
2 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add grated onion and cook for a few seconds. Add fish and marinade to the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in palm oil and onion rings, followed by water and coconut milk. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add green bell pepper, red bell pepper, tomatoes, cilantro, and green onions; cover and cook until vegetables are soft and flavors are well combined, about 5 minutes.