Brazilian Seafood Moqueca
Experience the flavors of coastal Brazil with this delicious Seafood Moqueca, a rich and aromatic fish stew that blends fresh seafood, vegetables, and vibrant spices. Originating from Portuguese influences, this dish is a staple of Brazilian cuisine, reflecting a unique fusion of European and South American culinary traditions. Perfect for special occasions or a hearty family meal, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
10
Servings
340
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Clams
12 (scrubbed, beards removed)
Mussels
1 lb (scrubbed, beards removed)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (pure)
Onion
1 large (diced)
Tomatoes
2 large (ripe, peeled, seeded, coarsely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Cilantro
2 tablespoons (fresh, minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Saffron thread
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Cod fish fillets
4 lbs (fresh, cut into serving-size pieces)
Shrimp
1 lb (large, peeled, deveined)
Crabmeat
1/2 lb (fresh, all cartilage removed)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Clams: Scrub the clams thoroughly with a wire brush to remove the beard and barnacles. Soak in a pot with 1 gallon of water and 1/3 cup of salt. Leave for 20 minutes, allowing them to expel sand. Repeat the process at least twice, changing the water each time.
2
Prepare the Mussels: Clean the mussels similar to the clams. Soak them in salted water for at least 2 hours. Discard any that float or remain open.
3
Heat the Oil: On medium heat, warm the olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan.
4
Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and cilantro to the pan. Season with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and saffron threads. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened but not browned.
5
Add the Seafood: Place the cod fillets, shrimp, crabmeat, clams, and mussels into the saucepan. Pour in enough water to cover the mixture.
6
Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 10 minutes or until the shellfish have opened. Discard any unopened clams or mussels.
7
Serve: Dish out hot, serving immediately while the flavors are fresh and vibrant.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
8g
Carbs
37g
Protein
1g
Fiber
1.8g
Sugar
720mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brazilian Seafood Moqueca?
Brazilian Seafood Moqueca is a rich and aromatic fish stew from coastal Brazil that blends fresh seafood, vegetables, and vibrant spices, reflecting a fusion of European and South American culinary traditions.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
What are the primary seafood ingredients in this dish?
The dish features a variety of seafood including 12 clams, 1 lb of mussels, 4 lbs of cod fish fillets, 1 lb of large shrimp, and 1/2 lb of fresh crabmeat.
How many calories are in a serving of Seafood Moqueca?
Each serving contains approximately 340 calories.
How should I prepare the clams before cooking?
Scrub the clams with a wire brush, then soak them in a gallon of water with 1/3 cup of salt for 20 minutes to expel sand. Repeat this process at least twice.
What is the recommended cleaning process for mussels?
Clean the mussels similarly to the clams and soak them in salted water for at least 2 hours, discarding any that float or remain open before cooking.
What type of fish is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 lbs of fresh cod fish fillets, cut into serving-size pieces.
What spices are used to season the Moqueca?
The stew is seasoned with salt, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and saffron threads.
Is there any specific herb used for flavoring?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh minced cilantro.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving of this Moqueca provides 37g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 13g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 8g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the sodium content of this recipe?
The dish contains 720mg of sodium per serving.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, there is approximately 1.8g of sugar per serving.
What vegetables are included in the base of the stew?
The base includes one large diced onion, two large ripe tomatoes (peeled, seeded, and chopped), and two minced garlic cloves.
What kind of oil should be used for cooking?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of pure olive oil.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
Once the seafood is added and the liquid is boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if some clams or mussels do not open?
You should discard any clams or mussels that remain closed after the simmering process is complete.
Is this dish considered spicy?
The inclusion of 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper adds a moderate level of spice to the dish.
What is the origin of Moqueca?
Moqueca has Portuguese influences and is a staple of Brazilian cuisine, representing coastal culinary traditions.
How much crabmeat is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of fresh crabmeat with all cartilage removed.
How much saffron is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify using large ripe tomatoes that have been peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped.
Is there fiber in this meal?
Yes, there is 1g of fiber per serving.
How should the shrimp be prepared?
The shrimp should be large, peeled, and deveined before being added to the saucepan.
Can this recipe be used for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavors and variety of fresh seafood make it perfect for special occasions or hearty family meals.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include brazilian, seafood, moqueca, fish stew, south american, portuguese, hearty, family meal, special occasion, and ethnic cuisine.
How much water is added to the stew?
You should pour in enough water to cover the seafood and vegetable mixture in the saucepan.
What are the initial steps for the vegetables?
Cook the onion, tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro in olive oil with spices until the onions are softened but not browned.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 14 ingredients used in this Brazilian Seafood Moqueca recipe.