Zarzuela de Mariscos with a Mediterranean Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, fish fillets) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, 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, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 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 smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, fish or vegetable broth, smoked paprika, saffron threads, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Add the mixed seafood to the pot and gently stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through.
5. 5.
   Stir in the fresh basil and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let the flavors meld for a few minutes before serving.

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 mindful of the cooking time for each type of seafood.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the stew.
• Serve the Zarzuela de Mariscos with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the stew.
• Feel free to customize the seafood selection based on your preferences and availability.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Zarzuela de Mariscos in deep bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Accompany it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the seafood pieces on top of the stew, allowing their vibrant colors to shine through the rich red broth. Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves and lemon zest on top for an added pop of color.