Blaff with a Western European Twist

Ingredients

In this Western European adaptation of Blaff, we incorporate Mediterranean flavors and ingredients to create a unique twist. The original Blaff typically uses Caribbean spices like Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice, which we replace with Mediterranean herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Additionally, we use white wine and tomatoes to create a rich and flavorful broth, instead of the traditional use of coconut milk. These changes result in a lighter and more herbaceous dish that still captures the essence of Blaff. We alse have the original recipe for Blaff, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, white fish fillets) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, white fish fillets)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) white wine 1 cup (240ml) white wine
• 2 cups (470ml) fish or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) fish or vegetable broth
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the white wine to the pot and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. 5.
   Add the mixed seafood to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.
6. 6.
   Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Mediterranean-inspired seafood stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seafood — Ensure that the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before adding it to the stew. Overcooking the seafood can result in a rubbery texture, so be careful to cook it just until it is opaque and cooked through.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier stew, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
• For a heartier meal, serve the stew over cooked rice or with a side of boiled potatoes.
• Feel free to customize the seafood selection based on your preferences and availability.
• To enhance the Mediterranean flavors, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the stew just before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean-inspired seafood stew hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Accompany the stew with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

To present the Mediterranean-inspired seafood stew beautifully, ladle it into shallow bowls, ensuring that each bowl has a generous amount of seafood and broth. Arrange a few mussels on top for an eye-catching element. Serve with a side of crusty bread on a separate plate or in a bread basket.