When traveling through Rio de Janiero, Brazil, we found that the food was just as colorful as the scenery. You can’t go far without hearing the sound of music or people laughing. And you rarely find people wearing drab colors.
This seafood dish, called Moqueca Baiana, lives up to its surroundings with bold flavors and a bright yellow color that it gets from the use of palm oil.
The dish is also served with rice, (in this case spiked with garlic).
We were told that in Brazil, the first lesson you learn is to talk, then to walk. Next you learn to dance the Samba, and then to make rice. I am sure that learning to make Moqueca is not far behind. (The stew is pictured here with banana farofa, a simple common Brazilian side dish made with manioc flour).
Here are some additional Brazilian recipes you might enjoy:
*Use of palm oil has been found to have serious impacts on the environment, from being a fire hazard to creating deforestation. I have left the palm oil in the recipe for authenticity. You can substitute it with additional olive oil without significantly changing the flavor.Brazilian Seafood Stew - Moqueca Baiana
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Considering a visit to Rio de Janiero? Here are some additional articles that may help plan or inspire a visit.
Thank you to our friends at Cook in Rio for introducing us to this dish.
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I love seafood and this looks like a fab new recipe to try. Thanks for posting.
Let us know how it comes out!
Brazilian cuisine is one of my unexplored ”areas”. This looks a nice and easy recipe to start with… thank you Jennifer for sharing it.
Yes, Brazilian cuisine isn’t too well known.
this looks really delicious and interesting! i am quite intriqued at how the bananas go along with this dish!
It’s a very typical side dish in Brazil. They eat a version of fried cassava, made with yucca, with most meals. In this case cassava with banana.
Wow – this sounds SO good. Such a bright and fun dish!
Thanks Taylor – it was nice to find a light bright dish while I was in Brazil – the food tended to be really good but heavy. Thanks for the comment!
I’ve never had a brazilian fish stew and this looks perfect for autumn.
Yes I agree – it would be wonderful on a cool autumn evening.
I love stew! The recipe looks good and yummy! I can’t wait to try it out
You really should try it – I’d love to hear how you like it if you do.
Jen, I’m so happy I stumbled upon your blog today. I’m Brazilian (born and raised. Have been in the US for only 5 years!) and it makes me so happy to see authentic Brazilian recipes making the blogs out there! 🙂 â¤ï¸
Thanks Olivia! We really enjoyed our time in Brazil and the food!