Classic Mediterranean-Style Seafood Stew

 Classic Mediterranean-Style Seafood Stew

 Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 cup dry white wine (or seafood broth)

3 cups seafood or chicken broth

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 lb mussels or clams, cleaned

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 lb white fish (like cod, halibut, or snapper), cut into chunks

1/2 lb scallops or squid rings (optional)

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

To serve: Crusty bread or rice

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 Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

2. Build the broth: Add the tomato paste and stir for 1 minute. Pour in the wine (or broth), diced tomatoes, and remaining broth. Season with paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.

3. Add the seafood: Add the fish and cook for 3–4 minutes. Then add shrimp, mussels, and scallops. Cover and simmer 5–7 minutes until mussels open and shrimp turn pink. Discard any unopened mussels.

4. Finish and serve: Squeeze in lemon juice, stir gently, and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread or rice.

 Tips:

Use frozen seafood mix for convenience—just thaw before cooking.

For creamy stew, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.

Add a splash of Pernod or a pinch of saffron for a French twist