Moqueca is a famous Brazilian stew from Bahia. It is usually made with fish, but this vegetarian version uses palmito (heart of palm – tender vegetable from palm tree). It is creamy, rich and full of flavor.

Traditionally it is cooked in a clay pot. Here we make a simple stove version.

😌 Difficulty: Easy
⏱️ Preparation time: 15 min
🔥 Cooking time: 15 min
⏳ Total time: 30 min
👥 Servings: 3

Ingredients

• 1 jar (300 g) heart of palm (palmito), sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200 ml coconut milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh cilantro (optional but traditional)

For serving:

• 150 g white rice

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. Add bell pepper and tomato. Cook 3-4 minutes until slightly soft.
5. Add sliced heart of palm and mix gently.
6. Pour in coconut milk.
7. Add salt and black pepper.
8. Let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes on low heat. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick.
9. Cook rice separately until soft and fluffy.
10. Serve moqueca hot over rice. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.

SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡

In Bahia, moqueca is often served in the same pot it was cooked in. The coconut milk and palm oil give it a rich but smooth taste.

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