Fideuà: A Mediterranean Seafood and Pasta Delight
Fideuà is a traditional Spanish dish that brings the flavors of the sea and the warmth of Mediterranean cooking to your plate. Often compared to paella, Fideuà is distinguished by the use of pasta instead of rice. This delicious seafood-packed dish is perfect for those who love seafood and enjoy a flavorful, savory meal. With a combination of fresh shellfish, tender squid, and a variety of vegetables, the dish is a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.
At “Love With Recipes,” we are excited to share this flavorful Fideuà recipe that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast. Let’s dive into the ingredients, instructions, and nutritional information for this exquisite dish!
Ingredients for Fideuà (Serves 6)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 320g |
| Mussels (Cozze) | 500g |
| Clams (Vongole) | 500g |
| Squid (Seppie) | 250g |
| Scorpion Fish (Scorfano) | 500g |
| Shrimp (Gamberi) | 250g |
| Artichokes (Carciofi) | 2 |
| Red Bell Peppers (Peperoni rossi) | 180g |
| Cherry Tomatoes (Pomodorini ciliegino) | 200g |
| Parsley (Prezzemolo) | 10g |
| Thyme (Timo) | 3 sprigs |
| Garlic (Aglio) | 2 cloves |
| Shallot (Scalogno) | 1 |
| Fresh Chili Pepper (Peperoncino fresco) | 1 |
| Saffron (Zafferano) | 2 threads |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | 80ml |
| Dry White Wine (Vino bianco secco) | 100ml |
| Black Peppercorns (Pepe nero in grani) | to taste |
| Salt (Sale fino) | to taste |
| Ground Black Pepper (Pepe nero) | to taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Instructions for Preparing Fideuà
Follow these steps to create a delicious, seafood-infused Fideuà. The process may seem lengthy, but the end result is worth every moment. From cleaning the seafood to layering the ingredients for the perfect flavor balance, here’s how to prepare this Spanish seafood pasta dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Mussels
Start by cleaning the mussels thoroughly. Use a steel scrubber to remove any sand or impurities from the shells. Once cleaned, place the mussels in a large pot over medium heat. Cover the pot and allow them to steam open. Once cooked, strain the cooking liquid through a fine sieve to remove any sand. Set the liquid aside as you will need it for cooking the pasta later. Remove the mussels from their shells and set them aside for garnish.
Step 2: Prepare the Clams
Next, clean the clams by rinsing them well. Place them in a separate large pot and cover with a lid. Allow the clams to cook until they open, just like the mussels. Once they’ve opened, strain the liquid and set it aside. Remove the clams from their shells and keep them aside for later.
Step 3: Clean the Squid
To clean the squid, carefully remove the ink sac without breaking it. Gently squeeze it out and discard it. Separate the tentacles from the body and remove any internal membranes. Rinse the squid under cold water. Slice the squid body into thin strips and set them aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Scorpion Fish
Next, clean the scorpion fish. Use a knife or scissors to open the belly of the fish and remove any internal organs. Rinse the fish under cold water and remove the fins. This will be used to create a flavorful fish stock later on.
Step 5: Clean the Artichokes
Wash the artichokes under cold running water. Trim the top and bottom parts of the artichokes, removing any tough, fibrous outer leaves. Slice the artichokes in half and remove the hairy choke inside. Slice the hearts into thin strips and set them aside.
Step 6: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the bell peppers and cut them in half. Remove the seeds and the white pith inside, then slice the peppers into thin strips. Slice the shallot and garlic, and set them aside.
Step 7: Start the Base of the Fideuà
In a large paella pan or wide skillet, heat 80ml of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot, garlic, and chili pepper to the pan and sauté until the shallot softens. Add the sliced artichokes and bell peppers, and sauté them for a few more minutes until they start to soften. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down.
Step 8: Add the Seafood
Next, add the squid and shrimp to the pan. Stir to combine and let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to turn opaque. Then, pour in the dry white wine and allow it to evaporate. Add the saffron threads to the pan, letting them dissolve in the liquid.
Step 9: Create the Broth
Add the fish stock (made from the scorpion fish) and the reserved cooking liquid from the mussels and clams. Stir everything together, and let the broth simmer gently. Season the broth with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 10: Cook the Spaghetti
Break the spaghetti into halves or thirds and add them to the pan with the simmering broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the pasta to cook in the broth for 8-10 minutes, or until it is just al dente. If the broth reduces too quickly, add a bit of water or more seafood stock as needed.
Step 11: Add the Mussels and Clams
Once the spaghetti is nearly cooked, add the mussels and clams to the pan. Stir them in gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dish. Cover the pan with a lid and let everything cook for a few more minutes to allow the mussels and clams to warm through.
Step 12: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Taste the fideuà and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili if desired. When the pasta is al dente and the seafood is well-incorporated, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the fideuà with fresh parsley and any reserved mussels you set aside earlier for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for Making the Perfect Fideuà
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Quality Seafood: The key to a flavorful Fideuà is fresh, high-quality seafood. If you can, purchase your shellfish and fish from a local market that offers fresh catches.
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Cooking the Pasta: While fideuà is traditionally made with spaghetti, you can experiment with other types of short pasta if desired. Just be sure to cook the pasta directly in the broth to absorb all the delicious flavors.
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Broth: The seafood broth is crucial for the overall flavor of the dish. Take your time to develop it, making sure to extract as much flavor as possible from the fish, shellfish, and saffron.
Serving Suggestions
Fideuà is a complete meal on its own, thanks to the abundance of seafood and vegetables. Serve it with a light, crisp white wine, such as a Spanish Albariño, to complement the flavors of the dish. You can also pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Enjoy Your Fideuà!
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps to make this authentic Fideuà, it’s time to gather your loved ones and indulge in a Mediterranean feast. The combination of seafood, saffron, and rich flavors makes this dish a showstopper at any dinner table. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this fideuà recipe is sure to impress.
Remember, at “Love With Recipes,” we aim to bring you the best recipes from around the world to share with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
