Brazilian Lunch: Paleo Moqueca de Peixe on Cauliflower Rice with Spicy Avocado Salsa

Allergens

Fish, Soy (from tomato paste)

Ingredients

• 1 whole fish (sea bass or snapper), scaled, gutted, cleaned and cut into serving pieces
• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Onion, finely chopped
• Bell pepper, chopped
• Tomato paste
• Coconut milk
• Chicken or fish broth

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the cauliflower rice. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until they're softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, and cook for another minute.
2. Pour in chicken or fish broth, coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook gently for about 10 minutes.
3. Add the cauliflower rice into the pan, stirring well to combine. Cover and let it cook for another 5 7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender. Set aside when done.
4. In a separate pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the fish pieces in the hot oil until browned on both sides, then add the lime zest, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeño slices. Cook for another 2 3 minutes before adding the lime juice, and cook for a final minute.
5. To serve, spoon the cauliflower rice onto individual plates or into bowls, then top with the cooked fish pieces. Ladle the sauce over the fish and rice, then garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve alongside the spicy avocado salsa for an extra burst of flavor.

Chef’s Insight

The key to this dish is balancing flavors - the tangy lime juice, spicy jalapeño peppers, and creamy avocado salsa all work together to create a symphony of taste sensations that won't be forgotten anytime soon.

Notes

Fresh ingredients are essential for this dish, so make sure to choose ripe avocados and fragrant herbs for optimal flavor.