Spicy Seafood Stew with Toasted Bread
A warming and zesty seafood stew featuring shrimp and mussels, served with toasted bread for a delightful dipping experience.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Adds sweetness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced Any color will do.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces) Provides acidity and body.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes Adjust for spice preference.
- 4 cups seafood broth Forms the base of the stew.
Seafood Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Main protein source.
- 1 pound mussels, cleaned Adds briny flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to preference.
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
- as needed Toasted bread or baguette slices For dipping.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent—about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for a couple of minutes to soften. Then, add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Let simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
Cooking
- Pour in the seafood broth and bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and carefully add the shrimp and mussels. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels open.
- Taste the stew and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust chili flakes for extra spice, if desired.
Serving
- Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with toasted bread for dipping.
Notes
For gourmet results, rub your toasted bread with a bit of garlic before serving. Substitute mussels with clams or fish fillets if desired. Everything will meld beautifully even if it looks a little lumpy at first.