Check out this Brazilian moqueca with plantain recipe
Brazilian moqueca is a vibrant, flavorful stew with origins in Brazil, celebrated for its rich blend of spices, vegetables, and coconut milk. This dish boasts a deep history, originating from Brazil's indigenous peoples and later enriched by African and Portuguese culinary traditions. While traditionally featuring seafood, this tutorial introduces a vegetarian and eggless variant that incorporates plantains. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, gather one large onion (sliced), two cloves of garlic (minced), two large tomatoes (diced), one red and one yellow bell pepper (sliced), two ripe plantains (peeled, cut into chunks), 400ml coconut milk, two tablespoons of palm or olive oil, one teaspoon paprika, half a teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), salt to taste, fresh cilantro for garnish, and lime wedges.
Preparing the vegetables
Begin by warming the palm or olive oil in a large pot over a medium flame. Then, introduce the sliced onions and minced garlic into the pot. Gently saute these ingredients until they soften and turn translucent, which should take about five minutes. These components will create the aromatic foundation for our moqueca, enriching it with flavors.
Adding spices and vegetables
After the onions have softened, blend in the paprika and cayenne pepper, if using. This ensures a rich base of flavors. Next, add the diced tomatoes and both bell peppers to the pot. Stir and cook for another five minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften slightly while retaining a bit of their crunchiness, adding texture to the dish.
Incorporating plantains and coconut milk
Add the chunks of plantain into your pot along with your vegetable mixture. Pour in the can of coconut milk, thoroughly mixing it with your vegetables to ensure everything is evenly coated with spices and flavors from earlier steps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; then reduce heat slightly, allowing it to cook uncovered for about 10 minutes or until plantains are tender.
Final touches before serving
After plantains are tender, season the moqueca with salt to taste. Generously garnish with fresh cilantro and accompany with lime wedges for added zest. This vegetarian moqueca, bursting with flavors, stays true to its cultural origins, making it suitable for eggless or vegetarian diets. Enjoy this hearty stew over rice or as a nourishing standalone dish, ideal for any meal.
