Cataplana de marisco
Gather your loved ones for a comforting pot of Cataplana de marisco, a seafood stew that celebrates togetherness.
On a bright Sunday afternoon, you might find yourself in a cozy tasca in Lisbon, where laughter fills the air and the tables are bustling with friends and family. Here, everyone eagerly waits for a steaming pot of A Portuguese Delight: Cataplana de marisco to arrive. This seafood stew, cooked in a beautiful copper cataplana, showcases the freshest seafood from the Atlantic, mingling with colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs. It's more than just a meal; it’s a shared experience that brings people together, perfect for family gatherings or festive celebrations.
The roots of A Portuguese Delight: Cataplana de marisco lie in the sunny Algarve, where the unique cataplana cooking method was born. This technique locks in all the rich flavors and moisture, creating a hearty and comforting dish. When you lift the lid, the aroma of shellfish, garlic, and fresh herbs wafts through the air, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Each spoonful is a delightful reminder of Portugal's maritime heritage and its rich culinary traditions.
Ingredients · 4 servings
- 500 g mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams)
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 200 ml white wine
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Method
- Heat olive oil in a cataplana or large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in the sliced bell pepper and cook for a few minutes until tender.
- Add the chopped tomato, white wine, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Layer the mixed seafood on top of the vegetable mixture.
- Close the cataplana and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the seafood is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side.