Arroz de Marisco Moçambicano (Mozambican Seafood Rice)
A flavorful one-pot rice dish brimming with a variety of seafood, simmered in a savory broth with aromatics and a hint of spice. This dish reflects the coastal influences on Mozambican cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Medium-grain rice(such as Carolino or Carnaroli)
- 500 g Mixed seafood(e.g., shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari, cleaned and prepped)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 200 g Tomatoes(chopped)
- 0.5 Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 100 g Mushrooms(sliced)
- 3 cups Fish or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Chili(fresh, finely chopped, or to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 50 ml Fresh cream(optional, for richness)
- 0.25 cup Fresh coriander(chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or paella pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and chopped chili, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, green bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- 5
Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the aromatics and vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- 6
Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 7
Add the mixed seafood to the pot, distributing it evenly over the rice. Cover and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- 8
If using, stir in the fresh cream in the last minute of cooking.
- 9
Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, covered. Garnish with fresh coriander and parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Do not overcook the seafood, as it can become tough.
- ✓Use a good quality broth for the best flavor.
- ✓Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate all ingredients without overcrowding.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like peas or corn.
- Use different types of fish or shellfish based on availability.