Portuguese Seafood Cataplana

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels, fish fillets) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels, 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 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• A pinch of saffron threads A pinch of saffron threads
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 200ml (3/4 cup) fish or seafood broth 200ml (3/4 cup) fish or seafood broth
• 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, 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a cataplana pot or a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, saffron threads, and bay leaf. Cook for another 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the mixed seafood to the pot and pour in the fish or seafood broth.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
7. 7.
   Close the cataplana pot tightly or cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
9. 9.
   Serve the Portuguese Seafood Cataplana hot with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seafood — Ensure that the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before adding it to the dish. Overcooking can result in rubbery texture, so be careful not to exceed the recommended cooking time.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper.
• Serve the Portuguese Seafood Cataplana with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different types of seafood based on your preference and availability.
• If you don't have a cataplana pot, a deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid works well too.
• To enhance the seafood flavor, use homemade fish or seafood broth instead of store-bought.

Serving advice

Serve the Portuguese Seafood Cataplana as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Portuguese Seafood Cataplana in the cataplana pot itself, allowing the vibrant colors of the seafood and vegetables to shine through. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green.