These last 24 hours have been challenging mentally. Its very personal stuff and I won’t discuss it here but I had 2 bombs dropped on my head where I just have to deal with it whether I want to or not. I already resolved myself to be positive and take the best steps to deal with these 2 situations…..but they really were things I could do without and I feel crushed, demoralized and powerless.
The only need I have right now is comfort: in food and in support. Support took the form of calling my mom and a couple of close friends which really helped. Tonight I will be eating leftovers from yesterday’s dinner…I am just adding a bit more fish since there is not enough protein for a meal left.
I made this dish last night for the first time and I fell in love with it right away. Sorry the pic is not great I took it in a rush. Moqueca is a very old Brazilian dish, a seafood stew. I came across this recipe on Testado, Provado & Aprovado where Renata presented a super quick version using a pressure cooker. Well I don’t have one but I tweaked her recipe (a lot) for a quick enough 30 min dinner version with a pot on a stove.
It is so packed with flavor and so warm: it is comfort in a bowl. It will bring a smile to my face and my taste buds will sing….and I really need that right now.
Ξ Moqueca Ξ
454g fillet of white fish of your choice
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp lime juice
1 onion chopped
1 small eggplant chopped
1 tsp paprika
Pinch red pepper flakes
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
200ml coconut milk
rice
Place fish pieces in a bowl, add the minced garlic and lime juice so that the pieces are well coated. Set aside while preparing the rest of the soup.
In a large covered pan, coat the bottom with the olive oil and heat on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and eggplant and cook a few minutes until softened. Add paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle generously with ½ tsp salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the veggies begin to soften. Stir in the tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, uncovered.
Use a large spoon to remove about half of the vegetables. Spread the remaining vegetables over the bottom of the pan to create a bed for the fish. Arrange the fish pieces on the vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then add back the previously removed vegetables, covering the fish. Pour coconut milk over everything and add the chopped cilantro on top. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Serve with rice.
It even tastes good veggie style with Egg whites! Mmmmm yummy.
So sorry to hear you are having difficult times right now. I pray that your friends and mom can bring the comfort you need.
I saw your site in foodbuzz and read the word “moqueca”! I just made it last week for the first time. I am from Brazil, the northeast part where fresh fish is always available. Moqueca is very common and delicious there, it is served with white rice.
Here in America I don’t have access to fresh fish, so I hear that other parts of Brazil like to use chicken instead. So I did my moqueca with chicken and the flavors were still amazing.
You have inspired me, I will be brave and look for good fish!
Love that you add the eggplant too. Thanks for sharing.
I heard about this dish but never had the courage to make it, now I can’t wait to try it 🙂
Oh! I love moqueca de peixe and haven’t had it for ages…you just brought me so many memories of my childhood…i just have one word for it…delicious!
Hope you have a wonderful week ahead Evelyne 🙂
I’m sorry to hear you are having a tough time… but know that we are here for you! The Moqueca sounds delicious. Definitely a perfect pick me up!
Evelyne, I hope you’re ok, please don’t hesitate to write if you ever need to talk or anything. The Moqueca looks so good, it’s a perfect comfort food!
Thank you so much for all your support. I really appreciate it. I am very well surrounded with friends and family to help. Thank you all.
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve experienced some bad news, Evelyne. I hope everything will be sorted out before the new year, but please do drop me a line if you need someone to talk to. I admire the fact that you can still manage to put up a lovely recipe and post despite your troubles. Take care, my friend, I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts.
xoxo
A big HUG for you. I know you don’t want to talk about it, but if you ever need to, I’m here. I’ve had many a time where things wer just not good..so much so, I felt, like you..helpless and powerless. Cooking or baking always soothed, and always will. That is one terrific looking seafood stew! I love that you found a way to eliminate the pressure cooker, because they umm..scare me. lol
I’ve never heard of this name before but with your description and reading your recipe, I know I will love this! You said this photo doesn’t look good but it caught my eyes… I will need to make this for sure when I come back. I can’t wait… thanks for finding this recipe and sharing it with us. I’ll need lots of rice to eat this. I’m actually quite excited. Haha.
Looks like a delicious recipe!
Hope everything is going well for you. 🙁
Oh, Evelyne I’m sorry to hear that you’re down. Hopefully everything resolves itself soon. The moqueca reminds me a bit of a dish I had in Ecuador, which you’ve reminded me to try to recreate. Take care!
Gosh, you have such a great attitude, Evelyne! But I’m sorry you’re dealing with such issues. Nothing like some good comfort food to lessen the pain….and your dish sounds amazing. Sending you a hug, and hope things look up for you soon!
I’m sorry to hear you’re going through some hard times… Whatever it is, I hope things look up soon. Looking forward to tomorrow, at any rate! I’ve never heard of moqueca, but it looks delicious!
Sorry to hear that things have been crazy lately. Sending you good vibes. Hopefully the comforting dish was also helpful in addition to good support from good people.
Oh WOW! You made Moqueca! Your version sounds totally delicious with all those vegetables! I feel honored that my recipe has given you a bit of comfort to face your difficult moment. I hope it is momentary.
Wishing you all the best and sending you positive energies, always!
All the best,
Renata
Thanks for linking back to TP&A
I hope you sail through what ever crisis you are facing. Keep the faith in yourself and God 🙂
I have never cooked fish or meats with egg plant but seeing you dish (which looks very delicious) I don’t mind giving it a try.
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