Impress your guests with this Brazilian moqueca with banana recipe
Brazilian moqueca is a vibrant, flavorful stew that originates from Brazil, known for its rich combination of spices, vegetables, and typically seafood. However, this version is a vegetarian and eggless take on the traditional dish, incorporating bananas for a unique twist. This dish not only offers a taste of Brazilian cuisine but also caters to those looking for meat-free options. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, you need one large onion (sliced), two garlic cloves (minced), two large tomatoes (diced), one red bell pepper (sliced), one yellow bell pepper (sliced), a tablespoon of tomato paste, 400ml coconut milk, two ripe bananas (sliced), half a teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of ground coriander, salt, black pepper to taste, fresh cilantro for garnish, and two tablespoons olive oil.
Preparing the vegetables
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Saute these until they become soft and translucent. This crucial step forms the flavor base for our moqueca, ensuring the dish starts with a rich, aromatic foundation. It's essential for developing the depth of flavor characteristic of this Brazilian stew.
Adding spices and tomatoes
After the onions soften, add the paprika and ground coriander, cooking until fragrant, about a minute. Then incorporate the diced tomatoes and tomato paste into the pot. Stir well and allow this mixture to cook until the tomatoes begin to soften, breaking down into a sauce-like consistency. This step is crucial for developing the stew's rich base.
Incorporating bell peppers and coconut milk
Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the pot, stirring them well into the tomato mixture. Next, pour in the coconut milk, ensuring it is thoroughly mixed with the vegetables. Gently bring the stew to a simmer over low heat, allowing it to cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. This process will ensure the peppers soften while still retaining a slight crispness.
Final touches with banana
Add the sliced bananas to the stew, carefully folding them to ensure they're submerged but not mashed. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional five minutes before removing from heat. Serve your Brazilian moqueca hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, alongside rice or crusty bread for soaking up its delicious sauce.
