Moqueca Cinder

Background and History

Moqueca is a traditional Brazilian fish stew that comes from the coastal regions, particularly the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo. Known for its rich flavors and vibrant colors, moqueca has been a staple dish in Brazilian cuisine for centuries, embodying the fusion of Indigenous, African, and Portuguese culinary influences. The dish is often cooked in a clay pot which enhances the stew with additional earthy flavors. "Cinder" refers to a modern twist, where the dish incorporates smoked or slightly charred elements to deepen its taste profile.

Ingredients

• White Fish - 2 pounds, cut into large chunks
• Shrimp - 1 pound, peeled and deveined
• Limes - 2, juiced
• Sea Salt - to taste
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 large, sliced
• Bell Pepper - 2, mixed colors, sliced
• Tomatoes - 4, sliced
• Coconut Milk - 1 can (13.5 oz)
• Cilantro - 1/2 cup, chopped
• Palm Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Smoked Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Chili Pepper - 1-2, according to taste, chopped
• Rice - to serve

Preparation

Start by preparing the white fish and shrimp. Place the pieces in a bowl and marinate them with the lime juice, a bit of sea salt, and half of the minced garlic. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to soak in the flavors.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan or clay pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and remaining garlic. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 2: Adding Vegetables

Stir in the bell peppers and tomatoes, allowing them to cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 3: Combine with Seafood

Once the vegetables are ready, layer the marinated fish and shrimp on top. Pour the coconut milk over the mixture and sprinkle with smoked paprika, chili pepper, and additional sea salt if needed.

Step 4: Simmer

Cover the pot and let the moqueca simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Check the flavors and adjust the seasonings if required.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of cilantro before serving. Serve the moqueca hot, accompanied by rice to soak up the savory broth.

Enjoying Moqueca Cinder

The best way to enjoy this dish is to serve it immediately after cooking, while it is hot. The combination of the hearty fish, juicy shrimp, and rich, fragrant broth creates a delicious experience. Pair it with a rustic rice, and for a complete meal, add a side of fried plantains or a fresh green salad. Moqueca Cinder is a communal dish meant to be shared with family and friends, bringing warmth and comfort with every bowl. Don't forget to set your cooking timer to ensure every element is perfectly cooked.