Strolling through City Park, I deliberately scuffed my feet, trying to amplify the sound of the parchment paper leaves crunching and crumbling under my boots, and as I walked toward The Spirit of the Sails, the late afternoon sunshine wrapped around my shoulders like a cashmere shawl.

But there was a briskness too; a chill in the air that stained my cheeks pink and sparked a craving for a hearty bowl of fish stew. This one happens to be my favourite…

Brazilian Fish Stew*

Be sure to serve with plenty of crostini to soak up all the luscious, coconut-lime broth.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz halibut cheeks* (or halibut fillets)
• 8 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Juice from two limes
• 1/2 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 tsp dried cilantro
• 1 tbsp jalapeño pepper, finely diced (divided)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
• 1 cup red onion, finely diced
• 2/3 cup red pepper, finely diced
• 2/3 cup plum tomato, peeled, seeded and diced
• 2/3 cup light coconut milk
• 2/3 cup vegetable broth
• salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Rinse halibut cheeks well, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Place in a glass bowl and add the shrimp. Drizzle with lime juice and 1/2 tbsp olive oil. Add cilantro, half the jalapeño and half the garlic. Toss to coat the seafood evenly. Cover and let marinate for 30 minutes.

In a sauté pan, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and red pepper and sauté until soft, stirring frequently, about 4 minutes. Add the remaining jalapeño, garlic and the tomato. Cook just until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the coconut milk, vegetable broth, salt and pepper, stirring well to combine. Simmer about 10 minutes, until very flavourful.

Add the halibut, shrimp and the marinade to the sauté pan and simmer just until the seafood is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Be careful not to over-cook the fish. Taste and adjust the seasoning as required.

Serve in warm bowls, and garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro

*If you think this recipe looks familiar, you’re right! I originally shared it back on July  6th, but I’m reposting since its been selected as a semifinalist in the Mobile Skillet Cooking App Contest where its competing for a $15,000 prize! You can see all the semifinalists and vote for your favourites HERE.