Trinidadian Seafood Stew

Ingredients

While the original Croatian Brudet is a fish stew made with Mediterranean flavors, the Trinidadian Seafood Stew incorporates the vibrant and spicy elements of Trinidad and Tobago cuisine. The use of traditional Trinidadian spices like thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers, along with the addition of coconut milk, gives this dish a distinct Caribbean twist. The use of local seafood varieties found in Trinidad and Tobago also sets it apart from the original recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Brudet, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) firm white fish fillets, such as red snapper or grouper 500g (1.1 lb) firm white fish fillets, such as red snapper or grouper
• 250g (8.8 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 250g (8.8 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 250g (8.8 oz) crab meat 250g (8.8 oz) crab meat
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, whole (adjust according to spice preference) 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, whole (adjust according to spice preference)
• 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 16g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced bell peppers and tomatoes to the pot, and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
3. 3.
   Stir in the tomato paste, thyme sprigs, and whole Scotch bonnet peppers. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. 5.
   Carefully add the fish fillets, shrimp, and crab meat to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and tender.
7. 7.
   Remove the pot from heat and discard the Scotch bonnet peppers and thyme sprigs.
8. 8.
   Squeeze the juice of one lime into the stew and give it a gentle stir.
9. 9.
   Serve the Trinidadian Seafood Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish fillets — Choose firm white fish fillets that hold their shape well during cooking, such as red snapper or grouper.
• Scotch bonnet peppers — Adjust the quantity of Scotch bonnet peppers according to your spice preference. Be cautious as they are very hot, so handle them with care and consider using gloves while chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the Scotch bonnet peppers before adding them to the stew.
• Serve the Trinidadian Seafood Stew with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Feel free to add other seafood of your choice, such as mussels or lobster, to enhance the variety of flavors and textures.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking to thicken the broth.
• Make sure to use fresh seafood for the best taste and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Trinidadian Seafood Stew in deep bowls, allowing the vibrant colors and enticing aromas to take center stage. Accompany it with a side of fluffy white rice or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Trinidadian Seafood Stew with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top. The vibrant green herbs will add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it in colorful Caribbean-inspired bowls to enhance the visual appeal.