Hearty Italian Seafood Stew for Cozy Evenings
45
min
611
Calories
12g
Fats
21g
Carbs
69g
Protein
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this Hearty Italian Seafood Stew. Perfect for any cozy evening, it's packed with protein, gluten-free, and aligns with a paleo-friendly diet. Dive into a bowl full of this warming stew that boasts a bounty of seafood, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Preparing the Base
Start your Italian Seafood Stew by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add in the olive oil, followed by the minced garlic and chopped onion. This step is crucial, as it lays the flavor foundation for your stew. The garlic should become fragrant, and the onions translucent, setting the stage for a rich broth.
Pro Tip: Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 2: Building the Broth
To the pot, add salt for seasoning, followed by the tomato paste, canned tomatoes with their juice, your choice of stock, and a surprising twist of club soda. The club soda adds a light fizziness that enhances the broth's flavor. Add bay leaves for an aromatic touch. Allow this mixture to simmer over a medium-low heat for 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure the tomato paste dissolves into the broth, creating a rich, flavorful base.
Pro Tip: The club soda can be replaced with water, but it gives a unique depth to the broth.
Step 3: Adding the Seafood
After the stew has simmered and the flavors are well-incorporated, it's time to add the seafood. Begin with the mushrooms, letting them cook briefly, then season with salt to taste. Prepare the mussels according to the package directions—usually, this means simply rinsing them under cold water and removing any beards. Add the cleaned mussels, shrimp, and fish pieces into the stew. Let simmer until the seafood is cooked through; this should take just a few minutes. The shrimp should be pink, and the mussels opened to indicate they're done.
Pro Tip: Discard any mussels that haven't opened after cooking as they could be bad.
Step 4: Serving the Stew
Once the seafood is perfectly cooked, your Italian Seafood Stew is ready to be served. Ladle generous portions into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of fish, shrimp, and mussels. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve alongside slices of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. This dish isn't just a meal; it's an experience, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.
Pro Tip: Squeeze a little lemon over the top for an added zing!
