Ingredients
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 lb white fish fillets like cod or halibut, cut into chunks
- 1 dozen scrubbed clams or mussels
- 1/2 lb squid (cleaned and cut into rings)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Half tablespoon red pepper flakes
- Teaspoon fresh thyme or half tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnishing
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
Step One: Prepare the Base: Warm up the olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Throw in the chopped onion and cook till it’s soft and see-through, about five minutes. Then put in the garlic and diced red bell pepper, letting them cook for another two-three minutes until they smell great.
Step Two: Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add in the diced tomatoes with their juice, seafood or chicken broth, and white wine if using it. Let this mix simmer so all the flavors can mix together and give it about ten minutes.
Step Three: Season the Stew: Put in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes if you like it spicy, thyme, and a bit of salt and pepper. Make sure to season to your liking, but remember that seafood already has a salty taste.
Step Four: Add Seafood: Once you have seasoned everything properly, start adding the seafood. First go clams or mussels because they need more time to cook. Cover up the pot and let them steam for around five minutes till they start opening. Next add shrimp, fish, and squid if using it too. Stir gently, then let simmer another five-seven minutes until shrimp turn pink. The fish gets opaque as the squid is tender but not overcooked.
Step Five: Finish Up and Serve: When all seafood is cooked right, take off from heat and discard any unopened clams or mussels. Garnish stew with fresh parsley and serve hot alongside crusty bread perfect for dipping.
Tips and Variations
- Use Fresh Seafood: Good freshness makes great stew. Ask your fishmonger.
- Cook Time Matters: Be careful not to overcook; add stuff based on different times needed so everything is tender.
- Season Smartly: Save extra salt due to the natural briny taste of ocean critters; decide how much saltiness per taste buds.
- Broth Smarts Too: Prefer using actual sea broths; enhances flavor; else, use chicken as a good backup option.
- Cioppino Style: Add more shellfish like crab or lobster fennel too, which creates a deeper and richer Italian version.
- Spicy Version: Use jalapenos, sriarcha, or hot sauce; bring extra kick; needs no intro; pretty self-explanatory.
- Creamy Option: Use coconut milk or heavy cream in the last few minutes; stirring makes a richer, smoother texture yummy.
- Spanish Twist: Saffron chorizo slices give a bold, unique twist that elevates taste further.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Each serving of seafood stew (based on 6 servings) contains the following approximate nutritional values:
- Calories: You will get 300 calories with this meal.
- Protein: A amount of 32 g of protein is obtained with this meal, in which protein is very important for muscle repair and growth.
- Fat: An amount of 12 g is served, which helps you to keep on the diet track.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the fuel source of the brain; here, 12 g of carbohydrates is obtained.
- Sugars: A g of sugar is contained here.
- Fiber: 3 g of fiber is obtained.
- Sodium:Â It regulates blood pressure; here an amount of 950 mg of sodium is added.
If you are into hearty, tasty meals that are both cozy and good for you, then seafood stew is just perfect. It’s loaded with shrimp, fish, and shellfish. This dish is a dream come true for anyone who loves seafood and can be pulled to suit your taste. Whether you are after a comfortable dinner or want to please some guests, this stew won’t disappoint them.Â