Mini Seafood Casseroles

Mini Seafood Casseroles Recipe from Canada - Delicious and Creamy

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

Introduction

Mini Seafood Casseroles are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender bay scallops and shrimp with a creamy sauce, topped with crispy bread crumbs for the perfect finishing touch.

History

Seafood casseroles have been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. This particular recipe puts a modern twist on the classic casserole, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner or gathering.

Ingredients

5 tbsp unsalted butter
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 ribs celery, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium white all-purpose potato, peeled and diced
3 tbsp flour
1 cup bottled clam juice
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup white wine
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.75 lb (340 g) bay scallops
0.75 lb (340 g) peeled and cleaned medium shrimp
1 slice whole wheat bread
0.33 cup fresh basil leaves

How to prepare

Preheat the broiler.
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat.
Add carrot, celery, onion, and potato.
Sauté for 5 minutes, until the onion is softened.
Stir in flour.
Pour in clam juice, cream, wine, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer.
Simmer for 13 to 15 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender.
Stir in scallops and shrimp.
Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the seafood is cooked through.
Meanwhile, combine bread, basil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor.
Pulse until bread crumbs are formed.
Melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and toss with bread crumbs until moist.
Divide the seafood mixture between four 12 oz (340 g) ovenproof dishes.
Top with bread crumbs and broil for 2 minutes until browned.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Use different types of seafood, such as crab or lobster, for a unique twist.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are just tender to ensure they are not overcooked in the final dish.

- Make sure to stir the seafood mixture occasionally while cooking to ensure even cooking.

- Broil the casseroles just until the bread crumbs are browned to avoid burning them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Mini Seafood Casseroles with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of sautéing, simmering, and broiling to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of clam juice for a vegetarian option.

- Substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.

- Use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the seafood mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and broil the casseroles.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these Mini Seafood Casseroles in individual ovenproof dishes for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to 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. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mini Seafood Casseroles contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of Mini Seafood Casseroles contains about 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

With a combination of scallops and shrimp, this dish provides about 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish, dairy, and wheat.

Summary

Mini Seafood Casseroles are a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mini Seafood Casseroles are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special dinner or gathering. With a creamy seafood mixture topped with crispy bread crumbs, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Mini Seafood Casseroles. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Thompson, in her cozy kitchen. Mrs. Thompson was known for her delicious seafood dishes, and she had promised to share one of her special recipes with me that day.

As we sat at the kitchen table, Mrs. Thompson pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her shelf. She flipped through the pages with a smile on her face, searching for the recipe she wanted to share with me. Finally, she landed on the page she was looking for and began to read out loud.

"Mini Seafood Casseroles," she announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is a family favorite that has been passed down for generations."

I watched intently as Mrs. Thompson gathered the ingredients and explained each step of the recipe to me. She was a natural teacher, patient and thorough in her instructions. I listened carefully, eager to learn the secrets behind this savory dish.

We started by sautéing onions and garlic in a skillet, filling the kitchen with the rich aroma of roasted vegetables. Mrs. Thompson added in a medley of shrimp, crabmeat, and scallops, letting them simmer in a creamy sauce until they were tender and flavorful.

Next, we prepared the crust for the casseroles. Mrs. Thompson showed me how to mix flour, butter, and Parmesan cheese together until it formed a crumbly dough. She pressed the dough into mini pie tins, creating a sturdy base for the seafood filling.

After spooning the seafood mixture into the crusts, we topped them with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a drizzle of melted butter. Mrs. Thompson placed the casseroles in the oven, and we waited eagerly for them to bake to golden perfection.

As the aroma of the Mini Seafood Casseroles filled the kitchen, Mrs. Thompson and I chatted about our shared love of cooking. She told me stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her the art of seafood cookery when she was just a young girl.

I felt a deep sense of connection to Mrs. Thompson in that moment, as if we were carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations. Cooking together, sharing recipes, and savoring the fruits of our labor - it was a bond that transcended time and space.

When the Mini Seafood Casseroles were finally ready, Mrs. Thompson and I sat down at the table to enjoy our creation. The casseroles were rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of seafood and spices. Each bite was a symphony of tastes and textures, a true testament to Mrs. Thompson's skill as a cook.

As I savored the last morsel of my Mini Seafood Casserole, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. It was more than just a dish - it was a memory, a connection to the past, and a tribute to the love and care that went into creating it.

I will always cherish the day I learned to make Mini Seafood Casseroles with Mrs. Thompson. She opened my eyes to a world of flavors and techniques that I had never explored before, and for that, I am eternally grateful. This recipe will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that can be found in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones.