Peixe com Mandioca e Leite de Coco
A comforting and flavorful dish of firm white fish simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with tender pieces of cassava (mandioca). This dish highlights the coastal influences of Mozambican cuisine, balancing the richness of coconut milk with the subtle sweetness of cassava and the delicate flavor of fish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Firm white fish fillets(such as tilapia, cod, or bream, cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Cassava(peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(grated)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Chili flakes(or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and chili flakes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to break down.
- 4
Add the cassava pieces to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk and enough water to almost cover the cassava (about 1-1.5 cups). Season with salt and black pepper.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the cassava is tender when pierced with a fork.
- 6
Gently add the fish chunks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
- 7
Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the cassava is cooked through before adding the fish, as it takes longer to soften.
- ✓Be gentle when adding and stirring the fish to prevent it from breaking apart.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the cooked cassava against the side of the pot.
🔄 Variations
- Add some spinach or other leafy greens in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- For a richer flavor, a tablespoon of tomato paste can be added with the tomatoes.