East African Seafood Stew

Ingredients

In this East African adaptation of Cioppino, we infuse the dish with the unique flavors of East African cuisine. We replace some of the traditional Italian-American ingredients with East African spices such as cardamom, cumin, and turmeric, which lend a distinct aroma and taste to the stew. Additionally, we incorporate local East African seafood varieties to enhance the authenticity of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Cioppino, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 2 cups (470ml) fish or seafood stock 2 cups (470ml) fish or seafood stock
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 500g mixed seafood (shrimp, fish, mussels) 500g mixed seafood (shrimp, fish, mussels)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving) Lemon wedges (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, paprika, and chili flakes to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
3. 3.
   Pour in the coconut milk, fish or seafood stock, diced tomatoes, and sliced bell peppers. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Add the water to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Gently add the mixed seafood to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seafood is evenly distributed in the stew.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and tender.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
8. 8.
   Serve the East African Seafood Stew hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the stew.

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 tender and opaque.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier stew, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a chopped fresh chili pepper.
• Serve the East African Seafood Stew with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Feel free to customize the seafood selection based on your preferences and availability.
• For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice 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 East African Seafood Stew in deep bowls, allowing the vibrant colors and enticing aromas to take center stage. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal. Accompany the stew with lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze the citrus juice over their stew according to their taste preferences.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the East African Seafood Stew, consider serving it in traditional East African pottery or colorful ceramic bowls. The vibrant colors of the stew will beautifully contrast with the earthy tones of the pottery, creating an eye-catching display. Add a sprig of fresh cilantro as a final touch to enhance the visual appeal.