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Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 47 reviews

Moqueca is a vibrant Brazilian fish stew packed with the flavors of coconut milk, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, served over fragrant Brazilian jasmine rice. This traditional dish offers a hearty yet light meal that celebrates coastal Brazilian cuisine with tender cod simmered in a rich, spiced broth.

Ingredients

Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew)

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion diced
  • 1 jalapeno diced (seeds removed if too spicy)
  • 1 red bell pepper seeds removed and sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper seeds removed and sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds cod or other firm white fish, cut into large 1-2 inch pieces
  • 2 vine tomatoes chopped, with their juices (or 1 13 ounce can chopped tomatoes)
  • 2 cups seafood stock or vegetable stock
  • 13 ounce can coconut milk full fat
  • 1 lime zested and cut into wedges
  • 2 green onions chopped, for garnish

Brazilian Rice

  • ½ yellow onion diced
  • 1 garlic clove finely chopped
  • 1 cup jasmine rice washed and rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (estimated for sautéing onion in rice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Moqueca Base: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add coconut oil and olive oil. Once melted, add the diced yellow onion and jalapeno. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and continue sautéing for another 2-3 minutes to soften.
  2. Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in finely chopped garlic, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and the spices to deepen in color and flavor.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped vine tomatoes along with their juices, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the tomatoes to release their juices and soften, creating a flavorful base.
  4. Prepare and Season the Fish: Pat the fish pieces dry with paper towels. Season them with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Lay the fish pieces gently on top of the vegetables in the pot.
  5. Add Liquids and Lime: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and seafood or vegetable stock. Add the lime zest and season the liquid with additional salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir the liquid to combine without disturbing the fish pieces.
  6. Simmer the Stew: Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the fish is just cooked through and the stew has thickened slightly.
  7. Cook the Brazilian Rice: While the stew simmers, heat olive oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until lightly caramelized, about 3-5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and continue for 1 minute until fragrant.
  8. Add Rice and Cook: Add the washed jasmine rice to the pot and stir so each grain is coated with the infused oil. Pour in the vegetable stock and season with kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  9. Finish and Serve: Once the moqueca is done, remove from heat and taste for seasoning adjustments. Fluff the rice with a fork, then serve the fish stew over the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

  • Use firm white fish such as cod, halibut, or snapper for best texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer less heat, remove seeds from the jalapeno or reduce cayenne pepper quantity.
  • Coconut milk adds richness—use full-fat for authentic creaminess, but light coconut milk can be substituted for lower fat content.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end by adding more salt or lime juice to brighten flavors.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute fish with firm tofu and use vegetable stock.
  • Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy rice.
  • Keep the fish pieces large to avoid them falling apart during cooking.

Find it online: https://lovelycooks.com/dill-pickle-parmesan-chicken-recipe/