Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Brazil with Moqueca de Frango, a sensational Brazilian Chicken Stew. This vibrant and aromatic dish combines tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, creamy coconut milk, and a blend of exotic spices, all simmered to perfection. Moqueca de Frango is a testament to the rich flavors and diverse influences of Brazilian cuisine.
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Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: Approximately 2 cups
Nutritional Profile (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, cut into chunks: 600g (1.32 lbs / 21 oz)
- Lime juice: 30ml (1 oz)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 15g (0.5 oz)
- Paprika: 5g (0.2 oz)
- Cumin: 3g (0.1 oz)
- Olive oil: 30ml (1 oz)
- Onion, chopped: 150g (5.3 oz)
- Red bell pepper, sliced: 100g (3.5 oz)
- Diced tomatoes: 400g (14 oz)
- Coconut milk: 240ml (8 oz)
- Fish sauce: 15ml (0.5 oz)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: 20g (0.7 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken, lime juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pot. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned.
- Simmer: Stir in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and fish sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Marinating the Chicken: The marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and tenderizes it.
- Layering Flavors: Cook the onions and peppers before adding the chicken to develop a depth of flavor.
- Gentle Simmering: Let the stew simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs can be used and may add more flavor due to their higher fat content.
What can I serve with Moqueca de Frango?
It pairs beautifully with white rice or farofa (toasted cassava flour).
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or a variety of vegetables.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish is mildly spiced, but you can add chili pepper for more heat.