Spicy Seafood Stew: A Flavorful Ocean Delight

Dive into a bowl of our Spicy Seafood Stew, a dish that captures the essence of the ocean with a tantalizing kick. This stew is brimming with succulent seafood, hearty vegetables, and a medley of spices that create a symphony of flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this stew is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to prepare and full of zest, bringing the taste of the sea right to your table. Let’s get cooking and savor the flavors of the ocean!

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound firm white fish (such as cod or halibut), cut into chunks
• 1/2 pound scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup seafood stock or chicken broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook until the peppers are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
4. Pour in the seafood stock and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the chunks of white fish and scallops to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the fish and scallops are just cooked through.
6. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3 minutes.
7. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

How to Prepare

The secret to this flavorful seafood stew lies in the blend of fresh seafood and a robust mix of spices. Start by sautéing the vegetables until they are soft and aromatic, allowing the flavors to develop. Using both seafood stock and coconut milk gives the stew a rich and creamy base, while the combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder adds depth and heat. Cook the seafood just until it’s tender to avoid overcooking. Garnishing with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon adds brightness and balance to the dish.

Preparation Time

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total time: About 45 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it ideal for a family meal or a small gathering.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen seafood? Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the stew.
• What other types of seafood can I use? Feel free to add mussels, clams, or even squid to diversify the flavors and textures.
• Can I make this stew in advance? The stew can be prepared in advance up to the point of adding the seafood. Reheat gently and add the seafood just before serving.
• How can I make the stew less spicy? Reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the red pepper flakes. You can always add a little more at the end if you want to adjust the heat.
• What can I serve with this seafood stew? Serve it with crusty bread, rice, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.