Savory Seafood Delight: Hearty Stew with Chorizo and Fresh Catch
Scrumptious Seafood Stew 🍲🌊
Imagine gathering around the table on a cool evening, the air filled with the comforting aroma of a rich, flavorful stew. This Seafood Stew is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing together the briny goodness of the ocean with the hearty satisfaction of a homemade stew. With a medley of mussels, shrimp, and sea bass, this dish is sure to be a showstopper at any gathering. Serve it in deep bowls with some crusty French bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth. Let’s dive into this culinary delight, courtesy of Le Creuset—whose cookware I highly recommend for this recipe.
Ingredients 🌟
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 chorizo sausage
- 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups crushed tomatoes
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 1 pound sea bass, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups fish or chicken stock
Nutrition Information per Serving (10 servings) 📊
- Calories: 561.9 kcal
- Fat: 26.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.3 g
- Cholesterol: 282.1 mg
- Sodium: 1417.2 mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.5 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Sugar: 5.1 g
- Protein: 61.2 g
Kitchen Equipment 🥄
- Large Dutch oven (Le Creuset recommended)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater
Cooking Times ⏲️
| Task | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 mins |
| Cook Time | 30 mins |
| Total Time | 45 mins |
Instructions 📜
-
Heat the Olive Oil 🍳
In a large Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. This will be the base for all the wonderful flavors to come together. -
-
Cook the Chorizo 🌶️
Add the chorizo sausage to the pot. Cook it, turning occasionally, until it’s browned all over, which should take about 8 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and let it cool slightly. Cut it into 1-inch pieces and set aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables 🥕
Add the sliced fennel bulbs and chopped onion to the pot. Cook these, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and translucent. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. The fennel adds a subtle sweetness that complements the seafood beautifully. -
Combine Ingredients and Simmer 🍅
Return the chopped chorizo to the pot. Pour in the 4 cups of fish or chicken stock and the 4 cups of crushed tomatoes. Add the zest of one orange for a fresh, citrusy note. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly. -
Add the Sea Bass 🐟
Gently stir in the sea bass pieces. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 3 minutes. The sea bass should be just starting to turn opaque, indicating it’s beginning to cook through. -
Add the Shrimp and Mussels 🍤
Next, add the shrimp and mussels to the pot. Cover again and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the mussels have opened, which should take about 5 more minutes. Be sure to discard any mussels that do not open, as these can be unsafe to eat. -
Garnish and Serve 🌿
Once everything is cooked through, ladle the stew into deep bowls. Garnish with fennel fronds for a touch of freshness and an extra pop of flavor. Serve immediately with crusty French bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.
Serving Suggestions 🥖
Pair this hearty seafood stew with a simple green salad and a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish. The acidity of the wine will balance the richness of the stew beautifully.
Tips and Tricks 💡
- Chorizo Selection: Use a good quality Spanish chorizo for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute with a milder sausage.
- Seafood Freshness: Ensure your seafood is fresh. The mussels should be tightly closed before cooking, and any open mussels should close when tapped. If they don’t, discard them.
- Stock Choice: For a richer flavor, use fish stock, but chicken stock works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Orange Zest: Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the orange, making sure to avoid the white pith which can be bitter.
Variations 🌈
- Add Potatoes: For a heartier stew, add diced potatoes when you add the fennel and onions. They will absorb the flavors and add extra bulk to the stew.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- Different Seafood: Feel free to mix up the seafood based on what’s available and fresh. Clams, scallops, or even chunks of firm white fish like cod can be great additions.
Storage and Reheating 🥡
- Storage: Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the seafood when reheating.
Enjoying Your Seafood Stew 🍽️
As you enjoy your Seafood Stew, let each bite transport you to a cozy seaside bistro, where the flavors of the ocean and the warmth of a hearty stew come together in perfect harmony. The combination of tender seafood, robust chorizo, and the subtle sweetness of fennel, all brought together with a hint of citrus, creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a delightful weeknight dinner, this stew is sure to impress and satisfy.
Bon appétit! 🌟
