Venetian-style Varenga

Ingredients

In the original Micronesian cuisine, Varenga is typically prepared with local seafood and ingredients native to the region. However, in this Venetian adaptation, the dish incorporates Venetian flavors and cooking techniques. The original dish may have used coconut milk or other tropical ingredients, whereas the Venetian-style Varenga features a tomato-based sauce infused with Mediterranean herbs and spices. We alse have the original recipe for Varenga, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, squid) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, squid)
• 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
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 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: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the mixed seafood to the pan and cook until the shrimp turns pink and the clams open.
4. 4.
   Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste, and season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Venetian-style Varenga hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seafood — Ensure that the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before cooking to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Serve Venetian-style Varenga with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Feel free to customize the seafood selection based on your preferences and availability.

Serving advice

Serve Venetian-style Varenga as a main course accompanied by a side of pasta or a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh basil and serve it in a shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the seafood and sauce.