Hearty Caldeirada: Traditional Portuguese Fish Stew
Experience the essence of Portuguese cuisine with this Hearty Caldeirada, a vibrant and aromatic fish stew that brings together a medley of fresh ingredients. Perfect for sharing, this dish combines layers of succulent fish, tender potatoes, and colorful vegetables, all infused with the rich flavors of saffron and herbs. A staple in coastal regions, Caldeirada is not only a comforting meal but a culinary journey that highlights the Mediterranean's bountiful catch. Serve it alongside hearty bread to soak up the delicious broth, and enjoy a taste of Portugal in the comfort of your home.
N/A
Servings
344
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
2 (sliced)
tomatoes
2 (sliced)
bell pepper
1 (sliced (optional))
fresh parsley
1 bunch (chopped)
laurel leaf
1 (whole)
fish
1 kg (choose from mackerel, swordfish, tuna, skate, sea bass, monkfish, hake, or haddock, cut into chunks)
potatoes
6 (peeled and sliced)
saffron threads
4-5 (whole)
salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
white wine
1/2 cup (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing all your ingredients: slice the onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper (if using). Peel and slice the potatoes and chop the fresh parsley.
2
In a large, wide pot, arrange the ingredients in layers. Start with a layer of sliced onions at the bottom, followed by a layer of tomatoes, then the fish pieces, bell pepper, and finally the sliced potatoes. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used.
3
Once the layers are complete, scatter the chopped parsley over the top and add the laurel leaf, saffron threads, and salt.
4
Drizzle the white wine, water, and olive oil evenly over the layered ingredients.
5
Cover the pot with a lid and place it over low heat. Allow the stew to cook gently for approximately 45 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally to mix the ingredients gently without stirring.
6
Check for doneness; the potatoes should be tender, and the fish should flake easily. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
33g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Caldeirada?
Hearty Caldeirada is a traditional Portuguese fish stew that features layers of fish, potatoes, and vegetables in a vibrant broth.
What kinds of fish can I use in this recipe?
You can use a variety of fish such as mackerel, swordfish, tuna, skate, sea bass, monkfish, hake, or haddock.
How many calories are in a serving of this fish stew?
There are 344 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of the Caldeirada?
Each serving contains 14g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 26g of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
There are 33g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
How much fish do I need to prepare this stew?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of fish cut into chunks.
How many potatoes are used in the Caldeirada?
You will need 6 potatoes, peeled and sliced.
Is bell pepper a required ingredient?
No, the bell pepper is listed as an optional ingredient.
What is the cooking time for the stew?
The stew should be cooked gently for approximately 45 minutes.
Should I stir the stew while it is cooking?
No, you should shake the pot occasionally to mix the ingredients rather than stirring.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is recommended to serve the stew hot with hearty bread to soak up the broth.
How much white wine is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of white wine.
What type of herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses a bunch of fresh parsley and one laurel leaf.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
What is the purpose of saffron in this dish?
Saffron threads are used to infuse the stew with rich flavor and a vibrant color.
How many onions and tomatoes are needed?
You will need 2 onions and 2 tomatoes, both sliced.
How should I layer the ingredients in the pot?
Start with onions, followed by tomatoes, fish, bell pepper, and finally potatoes.
What heat level should I use for cooking?
The pot should be covered and placed over low heat.
How much salt is recommended?
One tablespoon of salt is recommended, or to taste.
How do I know when the Caldeirada is done?
The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and the fish flakes easily.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large, wide pot is recommended for proper layering.
How much water is added to the stew?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare all ingredients by slicing and peeling them.
What is the source of the recipe's aroma?
The aroma comes from a combination of saffron, fresh herbs, and various fish types.
Is this a traditional dish?
Yes, Caldeirada is a traditional staple in the coastal regions of Portugal.
How many saffron threads should be used?
The recipe suggests using 4-5 saffron threads.
Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
While the recipe is traditional, you can choose from various types of fish listed.
How is the parsley prepared?
One bunch of fresh parsley should be chopped and scattered over the top of the layers.