Mediterranean Seafood Supper

Mediterranean Seafood Supper Recipe from Italy - Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomatoes, and Sherry

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mediterranean Seafood Supper is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the fresh flavors of seafood with a tangy tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends.

History

The Mediterranean Seafood Supper recipe is inspired by the traditional seafood dishes of the Mediterranean region. Seafood has long been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, with countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain known for their delicious seafood recipes. This particular recipe combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with a touch of California flair, making it a unique and tasty dish.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 cans (15 oz or 425 g each) stewed tomatoes
6 tbsp prepared chili sauce
5 whole cloves
2 to 3 bay leaves
2 tbsp sherry or chicken stock
1 tbsp chopped italian parsley
0.5 tsp dried oregano leaves, crushed
0.5 tsp dried thyme leaves, crushed
0.25 to 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup canned or frozen corn, drained
1 can (6 oz or 170 g) crab meat, rinsed and drained
1 ripe california avocado, seeded, peeled and cubed
Garnish- fresh italian parsley sprigs
Grilled Seafood steak
2 lb (907 g) swordfish or halibut steaks
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp dried thyme leaves, crushed
1 tsp dried oregano leaves, crushed
0.25 to 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper

California Salsa

0.25 ripe california avocado, seeded, peeled and chopped into 0.25 inch pieces
0.5 cup chopped (0.25 inch) ripe mango
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.

How to prepare

In a 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned.
Stir in tomatoes, chili sauce, cloves, bay leaves, sherry or chicken stock, parsley, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove bay leaves and cloves.
Mix in crab and corn.
Pour into shallow soup bowls.
Place a portion of grilled seafood in the center of each bowl.
Distribute avocado over the sauce.
Top each seafood steak with two tablespoons of California Salsa and a sprig of Italian parsley.
Serve.
Sprinkle each piece of seafood with lemon juice.
In a small bowl, blend thyme, oregano, and cayenne.
Sprinkle half of the mixture on the seafood.
Oil the grill and grill the seafood over medium-hot gray ash-covered coals for 5 minutes.
Turn and sprinkle with the remaining herbs and grill for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until the meat flakes easily with a fork and is even in color.

Variations

Add other seafood like shrimp or scallops to the dish for a variety of flavors and textures.
Use different herbs and spices to change up the flavor profile of the dish. Try adding fresh basil or cilantro for a different twist.
For a vegetarian version, omit the seafood and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh seafood for the best flavor. Look for seafood that is firm, shiny, and has a mild ocean smell.

- Don't overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery. Cook just until the meat flakes easily with a fork.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences. Add more for a spicier dish or less for a milder flavor.

- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Mediterranean Seafood Supper with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also be a great accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include sautéing, simmering, grilling, and garnishing. These techniques help to develop the flavors of the dish and create a well-balanced and delicious meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have stewed tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead.

- Feel free to use any type of seafood steak you prefer, such as swordfish, tuna, or halibut.

- If you don't have chili sauce, you can use hot sauce or a combination of ketchup and hot sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tomato sauce and California Salsa ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also marinate the seafood steaks in the herb mixture a few hours before grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Mediterranean Seafood Supper in shallow soup bowls for an elegant presentation. Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh parsley and a dollop of California Salsa for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A light and refreshing salad with a citrus dressing would also complement the flavors of the seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mediterranean Seafood Supper contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Mediterranean Seafood Supper is a low-carb dish, with most of the carbohydrates coming from the corn and avocado. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is a good source of healthy fats, thanks to the olive oil, avocado, and seafood. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Seafood is a great source of protein, and this dish is no exception. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron. The avocado and tomatoes provide a good dose of vitamins and minerals, making this a nutritious meal.

Alergens

This recipe contains seafood and avocado, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Overall, the Mediterranean Seafood Supper is a nutritious and delicious meal that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. It is a well-balanced dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.

Summary

Mediterranean Seafood Supper is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with a touch of California freshness. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, this dish is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in her beautiful coastal home in Greece. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh seafood simmering in a pot on the stove.

Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and I couldn't wait to find out what she was cooking. As we chatted and caught up, she told me all about the Mediterranean Seafood Supper she was making for dinner that evening. She explained that it was a traditional dish in her family, passed down from generation to generation.

I watched as Maria effortlessly tossed in fresh shrimp, mussels, and calamari into the pot, along with a generous amount of olive oil, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. She added a splash of white wine and a sprinkle of herbs and spices, then let it simmer on the stove until the seafood was cooked to perfection.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Mediterranean Seafood Supper and was immediately transported to a seaside taverna in Greece. The flavors were bold and vibrant, with the seafood perfectly cooked and the broth rich and flavorful. It was a meal I would never forget.

When I returned home, I knew I had to recreate Maria's recipe for myself. I called her up and asked her to walk me through the steps, and she happily obliged. As I cooked the dish in my own kitchen, I could feel the connection to Maria and her family, and I knew that this recipe would become a beloved tradition in my own household.

Over the years, I have made the Mediterranean Seafood Supper countless times, tweaking and adjusting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious flavors and comforting warmth.

Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of that sunny day in Greece, of Maria's warm hospitality and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to share a piece of myself through the food I create.

As I grow older, I am grateful for the recipes and traditions that have been passed down to me, for the memories they evoke and the joy they bring. And I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will sit in my kitchen, savoring a taste of the Mediterranean Seafood Supper and feeling the same connection to the past that I do. Cooking is not just about nourishing the body, but nourishing the soul as well. And for that, I am truly thankful.