Mediterranean-style Hot Pot

Ingredients

While the original Chinese hot pot typically features a variety of meats and spices, our Mediterranean adaptation focuses on seafood as the star ingredient. We have also incorporated Mediterranean herbs and vegetables to infuse the dish with the distinct flavors of the region. The result is a lighter and fresher version of the hot pot, showcasing the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea. 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, and fish fillets) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (such as shrimp, mussels, and fish fillets)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced 1 zucchini, sliced
• 200g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes 200g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes
• 200g (7 oz) baby potatoes, halved 200g (7 oz) baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 lemon, sliced 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and baby potatoes to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat.
5. 5.
   Arrange the mixed seafood on top of the vegetables. Place lemon slices on the seafood.
6. 6.
   Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring that the seafood and vegetables are submerged.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
8. 8.
   Serve the Mediterranean-style Hot Pot hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seafood — Ensure that the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before adding it to the hot pot.
• Cherry tomatoes — You can use different varieties of cherry tomatoes to add color and flavor to the dish.
• Lemon — Choose a juicy lemon and slice it thinly for a refreshing citrus taste.
• Vegetable broth — Use a high-quality vegetable broth or make your own for the best flavor.
• Fresh herbs — Garnish the hot pot with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• You can customize the seafood selection based on your preferences and availability.
• Add a splash of white wine to the hot pot for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve the hot pot with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Experiment with different Mediterranean herbs like rosemary or basil for a unique twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors will further develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean-style Hot Pot as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. Provide individual bowls and spoons for guests to serve themselves from the communal pot, creating an interactive and convivial dining experience.

Presentation advice

Present the hot pot in the oven-safe pot it was cooked in, allowing the vibrant colors of the seafood and vegetables to shine through. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of green and serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their portions.