Italian-style Hot Pot

Ingredients

While the original Chinese Hot Pot is typically a communal dish cooked at the table, the Italian-style Hot Pot is a stew that is prepared in the kitchen. The Italian version incorporates Mediterranean flavors such as tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and focuses on seafood as the main ingredient. We alse have the original recipe for Hot Pot, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (such as shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (such as shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) fish or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) fish or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive 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 sliced red bell pepper to the pot and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes, fish or vegetable broth, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the mixed seafood to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the flavors have developed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Italian-style Hot Pot in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seafood — Ensure that the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before adding it to the stew. Cook the seafood just until it is opaque and cooked through to avoid overcooking and maintaining its tenderness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the stew before adding the seafood.
• Serve the Italian-style Hot Pot with crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato broth.
• Feel free to customize the seafood selection based on your preferences and availability.
• If you prefer a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors will continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian-style Hot Pot in individual bowls, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant and aromatic touch.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place a few cooked mussels or shrimp on top of each bowl of stew. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the seafood and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.