Vegetarian Moqueca

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Brazil with this Vegetarian Moqueca, a plant-based twist on the classic Brazilian seafood stew. Bursting with color and texture, this hearty dish combines sweet bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy coconut milk with a kick of smoked paprika and fresh chili for a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and exotic. A touch of lime juice and fresh cilantro adds a zesty brightness, while optional palm oil lends a hint of authentic richness. Ready in under an hour, this vegetarian stew is perfect served over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up every luscious drop. Whether you're embracing a meatless lifestyle or simply seeking global-inspired comfort food, this recipe is a must-try for your weeknight rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 large yellow bell pepper
• 2 large tomatoes
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon palm oil (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 0.5 cup cilantro
• 2 green onions
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 fresh chili pepper

Directions

Step 1

Begin by finely chopping the onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Dice the tomatoes and mince the garlic cloves and fresh chili pepper.

Step 2

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers to the pot and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and chili pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly.

Step 6

Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. If using, add the palm oil for an authentic flavor.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a simmer, reducing the heat to low. Cover the pot and let simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 8

While the stew simmers, chop the cilantro and slice the green onions.

Step 9

After 15 minutes, stir in the lime juice, cilantro, and green onions. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve the moqueca hot, garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired, alongside steamed rice or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1742.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	942.9

Total Fat 47.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3036.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 125.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.1g	0%
Total Sugars 58.6g
Protein 16.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 253.9mg	0%
Iron 7.2mg	0%
Potassium 3135.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.1%

Protein: 6.7%

Carbs: 50.1%