Refer to this Brazilian moqueca with banana farofa recipe
Brazilian moqueca is a vibrant, flavorful stew from Brazil, known for its rich blend of spices, vegetables and coconut milk. Paired with banana farofa, a toasted cassava flour mixture with bananas, it offers a unique combination of textures and flavors. This dish celebrates Brazil's coastal cuisine and African influences, making it perfect for vegetarians seeking an exotic culinary experience. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For the moqueca, arrange for one large onion (sliced), two bell peppers (sliced), three cloves garlic (minced), two cups tomatoes (diced), one tablespoon paprika, one teaspoon cumin, salt to taste, two tablespoons olive oil, 400ml coconut milk, juice of one lime, and fresh cilantro for garnish. For the banana farofa, gather two tablespoons vegan butter, one cup cassava flour, two ripe bananas (sliced), and salt to taste.
Preparing the vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, sauteing until they start to soften. Next, incorporate minced garlic into the mix, continuing to saute for another minute until fragrant. This step creates a flavorful foundation for our moqueca, laying down the essential base of tastes for the stew.
Cooking the stew
After sauteing the vegetables, incorporate the diced tomatoes with the paprika and cumin, stirring to ensure a thorough mix. Proceed to pour in the coconut milk, then reduce the heat to allow a gentle simmer. Continue cooking the stew uncovered for around 20 minutes or until it has noticeably thickened. At this juncture, season with salt to your liking.
Adding final touches
Once the stew has thickened suitably, remove it from heat. Stir in lime juice for a zesty kick. Then, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. This adds not only a vibrant color but also enhances the stew's flavor, making every bite more enjoyable. The addition of cilantro and lime is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of taste and aroma in the dish.
Making banana farofa
Melt vegan butter in a pan over medium heat, then add cassava flour. Stir continuously until it turns golden brown, about five minutes, avoiding burning. Next, fold in sliced bananas, ensuring they're well coated but retain shape. Season with salt and remove from heat. This process creates banana farofa, a perfect complement to Brazilian moqueca for a fulfilling vegetarian meal.
