Croatian Seafood Stew

Ingredients

• 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 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) fish or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) fish or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) white wine 1 cup (240ml) white wine
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 pound (450g) mixed seafood (fish fillets, shrimp, mussels, calamari), cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 pound (450g) mixed seafood (fish fillets, shrimp, mussels, calamari), cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. 2.
   Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and white wine. Add the bay leaf, dried oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
5. 5.
   Add the mixed seafood to the pot and gently stir to coat it with the broth. Cover the pot and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf from the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Croatian Seafood Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seafood — Ensure that the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before adding it to the stew. Cook it just until tender to avoid overcooking and maintaining its delicate texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Serve the stew with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of acidity.
• Use a variety of seafood to add depth of flavor to the stew.
• Allow the stew to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian Seafood Stew in deep bowls, accompanied by crusty bread or steamed rice. Provide lemon wedges on the side for those who prefer a tangy twist.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic ceramic bowls to enhance the visual appeal.