Brazillian Fish Stew (Moqueca)
Ingredients
- 1 lb firm white fish fillets such as cod or halibut, cut into chunks
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes roasted diced tomatoes are excellent if you can find them
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 limes cut into quartered wedges
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button. Add the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the bell peppers, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the Instant Pot and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes and coconut milk to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Add the fish chunks to the Instant Pot and gently stir to coat with the sauce.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to the sealing position. Press the Manual button and set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot lid and stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Serve the Brazilian fish stew hot with rice or crusty bread on the side and lime wedges.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy Instant Pot Brazilian fish stew!
This dish is inspired by the traditional Brazilian Moqueca, a seafood stew made with coconut milk and a blend of spices. In my version, I have used firm white fish fillets such as cod or halibut, which are cut into bite-sized chunks and cooked in a pressure cooker with sautéed onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes.
The secret ingredient that gives this dish its unique flavor is coconut milk, which not only adds a creamy texture but also balances out the spiciness of the dish. A blend of paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper is added to enhance the flavors of the dish, while fresh cilantro adds a touch of freshness and color.
One of the best things about this dish is how quick and easy it is to make. With an Instant Pot pressure cooker, this dish can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Simply sauté the onions and garlic, add the spices, tomatoes, coconut milk, and fish, and pressure cook for 5 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve with rice or crusty bread and lime wedges on the side.
This Brazilian Fish Stew is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both hearty and flavorful. It’s a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends, and transport them to the warm and sunny beaches of Brazil with every bite!