A Taste of Brazil: Dive into the Irresistible Flavors of Moqueca de Camarão

  

When you think of Brazilian cuisine, your mind might jump to churrasco or caipirinhas. But let me introduce you to a dish that embodies the soul of Brazilian cooking: Moqueca de Camarão (Brazilian Shrimp Stew). This isn't just a meal; it's a vibrant celebration of fresh seafood, aromatic vegetables, and the rich, tropical flavors that define Brazil's culinary heritage.

Moqueca is a traditional seafood stew, particularly prominent in the coastal regions of Brazil, especially Bahia and Espírito Santo, each with their own variations. Today, we're focusing on a popular version that's known for its creamy, flavorful broth, thanks to the star ingredients: coconut milk and dendê oil (red palm oil). It's incredibly aromatic, visually stunning, and surprisingly simple to make!

Imagine tender shrimp bathing in a luscious, colorful sauce made from tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime. It's rich, yet fresh, and utterly comforting. Perfect for a gathering, or a special meal that transports you straight to the sunny beaches of Brazil.

Ready to bring the vibrant flavors of Brazil to your kitchen? Let's get cooking!

---

Vibrant Brazilian Moqueca de Camarão (Shrimp Stew)

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
• 3-4 ripe plum tomatoes, deseeded and diced (or 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons dendê oil (red palm oil - optional, but authentic for color and flavor)
• Optional: 1/2 green chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
• Serve with: Cooked white rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), or crusty bread

Instructions:

1.    Marinate Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over them, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

2.    Sauté Aromatics: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven (a clay pot is traditional if you have one), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes.

3.    Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and half of the chopped cilantro (and green chili/red pepper flakes if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and flavors to meld.

4.    Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to deepen.

5.    Introduce Dendê Oil (Optional): If using, stir in the dendê oil. This will give your moqueca its characteristic orange hue and a unique, earthy flavor.

6.    Add Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to ensure they are submerged. Cook for just 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.

7.    Finish & Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot moqueca into bowls, garnished with extra fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with fluffy white rice, farofa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

---

Moqueca de Camarão is more than just a meal; it's an experience. The vibrant colors, the rich aroma, and the exquisite blend of flavors will transport your senses straight to the heart of Brazil. It’s a dish that brings people together and leaves a lasting impression.

Enjoy your delicious journey to Brazil!