Simple Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe for Easter

Holy Week has arrived, and today we’re sharing a simple yet delicious Brazilian Fish Stew (Peixada) recipe for you to enjoy with your family. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for the Simple Fish Stew:

• 9 lbs (approx. 4 kg) of firm white fish fillets or steaks (choose varieties with fewer bones, such as cod, tilapia, or halibut).

For the Fish Marinade:

• 1/4 tsp black pepper;
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika;
• Juice of 2 lemons;
• 1/2 tsp “Tempero Baiano” (or a mix of oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes);
• 1/4 tsp curry powder;
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil.

For the Stew Base:

• 1 tbsp annatto powder (or mild paprika for color);
• 2 tbsp tomato paste;
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped;
• Water (as needed);
• Fresh parsley and scallions, chopped, to taste;
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil;
• Salt to taste;
• 7 fl oz (200ml) coconut milk;
• 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped;
• 1 large onion, chopped;
• 10 cloves of garlic, minced;
• Red pepper flakes or chili to taste.

How to Prepare Simple Brazilian Fish Stew:

Preparing the Fish:

1. If the fish hasn’t been cleaned yet, prep it accordingly.
2. Cut the fish into large, uniform steaks or chunks.
3. Place the fish in a large bowl and add all the marinade ingredients (black pepper, smoked paprika, lemon juice, “Tempero Baiano,” curry, and olive oil).
4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the pot base.

The Stew:

1. Use a large, deep pot or Dutch oven.
2. Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic and onion until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and bell peppers; cook until they begin to soften.
4. Gently place the marinated fish into the pot.
5. Add the annatto, tomato paste, salt, chili, and enough water to just cover the fish.
6. Simmer until the fish is tender and fully cooked through.
7. Stir in the coconut milk gently.
8. Finish with the fresh parsley and scallions.
9. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust salt to your preference and remove from heat.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

Serve over fluffy white rice with a fresh side salad. For a traditional touch, use some of the flavorful broth to make pirão (thickened fish gravy) as an accompaniment.

About Holy Week:

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday celebrates the Last Supper, where the Eucharist was instituted. Good Friday marks the Passion of Christ, followed by the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, and concluding with the celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

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