🌿 "The Magic of Plantain Moqueca"

A tropical, heartwarming recipe full of soul — with flavor and surprise in every bite. 🍌

"I had never eaten anything vegetarian in my life. I thought it would be bland, too light, missing that ‘hearty’ feel of a complete meal. But when I tried this moqueca, I swear I was shocked. It had everything: intense flavor, texture, aroma
 and a lightness that made me feel good afterward. It was the first time I thought, ‘I could live like this.’" — Leandro R., 38, São Paulo

8/4/20251 min read

🍌Plantain Moqueca (Brazilian-Style Stew)

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe (but firm) plantains, sliced into thick rounds

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 red onion, sliced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 200 ml (about 3/4 cup) coconut milk

  • 1 tablespoon dendĂȘ oil (palm oil)

  • Fresh cilantro to taste

  • Juice of 1/2 lime

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Olive oil for sautĂ©ing

Instructions:

  1. In a wide pan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until lightly golden.

  2. Add the bell peppers and tomatoes. Cook until they begin to soften.

  3. Add the plantains, coconut milk, dendĂȘ oil, salt, and pepper.

  4. Simmer over low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring gently so the plantains don’t fall apart.

  5. Finish with lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro.

Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4
🟱 Vegetarian (and easily adaptable to vegan)