Recipes and food from a Hapa household

we went to brazil for Christmas in 2005.  we had this marvelous dinner at this small restaurant that the hotel concierge had recommended.  the owner recommended this dish to my husband, and it was fantastic.  i made it tonight for dinner, and it wasn’t quite the same, but it was close.  this recipe comes from “from our house to yours – recipes”.  i’ve made a few alterations.  next time, i think i’ll try chicken to see what happens. 

serves 4-6

2 lbs white fish filets, cut into large cubes, about 1.5 – 2 in.
juice of one lime
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp paprika

2 tbsp oil
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped
1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 can coconut milk

1. marinate the fish filets with salt, pepper, paprika and lime juice for at least one hour.
2. in a large sauté pan or dutch oven, sauté garlic in oil. turn off the heat at this point and using half of the vegetables start making layers of onions, cilantro, peppers and tomatoes. Cover the layers with the fish and the marinade.
3. cover the fish making other layers with the remaining onions, peppers, tomatoes and cilantro. add the coconut milk and sprinkle the top with salt. bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium, medium-low and let simmer for 30-60 minutes or until fish and vegetables are cooked.  serve with rice.