Moqueca na Brasa

Moqueca na Brasa, a traditional Brazilian dish, highlights the rich, diverse culinary heritage of Brazil. Derived from regional influences, moqueca combines ingredients that pay homage to the country’s coastal roots. This sumptuous dish is traditionally made with seafood cooked in coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and coriander, all elegantly infused with dendê oil for a deep, earthy flavor. Typically, moqueca is slowly cooked in a clay pot, but this variation, Moqueca na Brasa, introduces a smoky flavor by utilizing an open flame grill. The addition of fire-grilled elements adds an unparalleled depth to an already savory dish.

Ingredients

• Fish (such as snapper or halibut) - 500g
• Shrimp - 200g
• Coconut milk - 400ml
• Tomatoes - 2 large, chopped
• Onions - 1 large, sliced
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Coriander - 1 bunch, chopped
• Dendê oil - 3 tablespoons
• Lime - 1, juiced
• Red bell pepper - 1, sliced
• Green bell pepper - 1, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the fish and shrimp. Ensure they are scaled, cleaned, and deveined, if necessary.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cleaned seafood with lime juice, salt, and coriander to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables: slice the onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper and chop the tomatoes.

Cooking Process

1. Prepare your grill for medium-high heat. It’s best to use charcoal to impart a smoky flavor.
2. In a large, heat-proof skillet or a clay pot suitable for grill use, add dendê oil and heat it over the grill.
3. Add onions and garlic to the pot, allowing them to soften and become fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Let them cook until they begin to breakdown and meld together.
5. Add the marinated fish and shrimp to this mixture. Carefully stir them to coat well without breaking the fish apart.
6. Pour in the coconut milk, lower the heat slightly, and cover the pot. Allow the stew to simmer gently until the seafood is cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes. Use a cooking timer for exact timing.
7. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Finally, stir in additional coriander before serving.

How to Enjoy the Meal

Moqueca na Brasa can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or served with steamed rice. The combination of its rich, creamy texture and smoky flavor makes it a perfect dish for a sumptuous meal. To elevate the experience, consider pairing it with a refreshing Brazilian caipirinha or a smooth, full-bodied white wine.

Gather friends and family, serve hot, and enjoy a piece of Brazilian culinary tradition right from your grilled masterpiece to the dining table.