Brazilian Delight: Green Moqueca with a Touch of Chestnut

When we think of Brazilian dishes, the word “moqueca” inevitably comes to mind, full of tradition and flavor.

In this version, I present Moqueca Verde com Toque de Castanha, a recipe that not only exalts the roots of Brazil, but also incorporates a concept of health that meets modern lifestyles.

Rich in antioxidants, fibers and flavor, this moqueca is perfect for those looking for balanced meals without giving up tradition.

Detailed Ingredients Green Moqueca

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 400g fresh pupunha palm heart, cut into slices
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium red onion, cut into strips
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 200ml light coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of palm oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: a few drops of pepper if you want a spicy touch

Substitutions: You can use baru nuts or almonds instead of cashew nuts.

Detailed Preparation Method

1. Pre-Preparation of Ingredients:

   • Wash the spinach and coriander leaves well and set aside.
   • In a blender, blend the cashew nuts with a little water until a smooth paste forms.
   • Add the spinach, coriander and blend until smooth.

2. Moqueca Base:

   • In a large saucepan, heat the palm oil. Add the red onion and garlic, sautéing until lightly golden.
   • Add the bell pepper and continue sautéing for another 3 minutes.

3. Assembly and Cooking:

   • Add the hearts of palm to the pan and mix well.
   • Pour the green mixture from the blender into the pan and add the coconut milk. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
   • Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, until the broth thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper and lemon juice.

4. Finalization:

   • Serve the moqueca hot, garnished with chopped cashew nuts and fresh coriander leaves.

Extra Information

• Nutritional Value: Approximately 250 kcal per serving; rich in vitamins A and C.
• Side dishes: Serve with brown rice or cooked quinoa.
• Occasion: Ideal for everyday meals, especially family lunches.
• Estimated Cost: R$ 30.00 to R$ 40.00
• Preparation Time: About 30 minutes.
• Difficulty Level: Easy – The recipe involves simple sautéing and mixing techniques.
• Useful Tips: Add a touch of spice with hot sauce if desired. For an even more intense flavor, let the moqueca rest for 10 minutes before serving.

History

This Green Moqueca with a Touch of Chestnut recipe was inspired by a trip to the North of Brazil, where I came across the vibrant biodiversity of the tropical forests.

When visiting a small market in Belém, I realized how local ingredients, such as açaí and nuts, form an essential part of the traditional diet.

I then decided to create a dish that combined the richness of regional flavors with a healthy approach, something that honored the past while looking to the future.

This is how this green moqueca was born, a true ode to Brazilian gastronomic creativity.