Imagine a steaming pot of rich, aromatic seafood stew that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in every single bite. This incredible Seafood Stew with Tomatoes and Basil isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to impress dinner guests, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb mixed seafood (fish, shrimp, squid)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fish stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the seafood is cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces if necessary. Rinse the shrimp and squid under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Allow the tomatoes to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Next, add the fish stock to the pot, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the stew is simmering, add the mixed seafood to the pot. Stir gently to ensure the seafood is evenly distributed in the stew. Allow the stew to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and tender.
- While the seafood is cooking, chop the fresh basil. Once the seafood is done, stir in the chopped basil and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- After the stew has finished cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve the seafood stew hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Seafood: Select the freshest mixed seafood possible. Look for bright, firm fish, shrimp without discoloration, and squid that smells clean and oceanic.
- Timing is Key: Be careful not to overcook seafood. The 10-15 minute simmering time ensures your seafood remains tender and doesn't become rubbery.
- Layer Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic first to build a flavor foundation before adding tomatoes and stock.
- Customize Your Seafood Mix: Feel free to adjust the seafood blend based on what's available. Mussels, scallops, or white fish work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Fresh Basil Makes a Difference: Use fresh basil if possible—it provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious tomato-based broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
