Hearty Italian Seafood Stew with Saffron Infusion
Dive into a bowl of this Hearty Italian Seafood Stew, a warm and inviting dish brimming with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients. This stew combines the richness of garlic, the sweetness of fennel, and the tender flakes of fresh fish, all embraced by a savory broth enhanced with aromatic rosemary and a hint of citrus. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, this stew warms both the heart and the soul. Enjoy the delightful medley of ingredients that give this dish a unique Italian flair. Serve it with fresh crusty bread to soak up the incredible broth and delight in every spoonful.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Onions
2 cups (chopped)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Fennel seeds
2 teaspoons (ground)
Dry white wine
1/2 cup (only use what you would drink!)
Potatoes
4 cups (cubed)
Fennel bulb
4 cups (thinly sliced)
Plum tomatoes
28 ounces (un-drained)
Dried rosemary
1 tablespoon (use a tea strainer or 2 fresh sprigs)
Dried orange peel
1 teaspoon
Saffron
1 pinch (generous!)
Black-tip shark fillets or cod fish fillet
1 lb (cut into chunks)
Bottled clam juice
16 ounces
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Fresh basil or parsley
for garnish
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, stirring often until the onions become translucent, about 7-8 minutes.
2
Sprinkle in the ground fennel seeds and pour in the dry white wine, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and flavors to meld.
3
Add the thinly sliced fennel bulb, cubed potatoes, un-drained plum tomatoes, and bottled clam juice to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4
Place the dried rosemary and orange peel in a tea ball or create a bouquet garni, and add it to the stew. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the stew simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6
Add the saffron and chunks of fish to the stew, continuing to simmer for another 20 minutes, until the fish is flaky and cooked through.
7
Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, serve hot and garnish with fresh basil or parsley on top. Enjoy with crusty bread!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Seafood Stew?
It is a robust and inviting dish featuring fresh fish, fennel, and garlic in a savory broth infused with saffron and rosemary.
What kind of fish should I use for this recipe?
You can use one pound of either Black-tip shark fillets or cod fish fillets cut into chunks.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
How long should I cook the onions and garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onions in olive oil for about 7-8 minutes until the onions are translucent.
What type of wine is recommended for the stew?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry white wine; specifically, a type you would enjoy drinking.
How should the fennel bulb be prepared?
The 4 cups of fennel bulb should be thinly sliced before being added to the pot.
Should I drain the plum tomatoes before adding them?
No, you should use 28 ounces of un-drained plum tomatoes.
How should the potatoes be cut?
The recipe requires 4 cups of potatoes that have been cubed.
What liquid is used as the base for the broth?
The broth is made using 16 ounces of bottled clam juice along with the juice from the plum tomatoes and dry white wine.
How do I add the rosemary and orange peel to the stew?
Place the dried rosemary and orange peel in a tea ball or create a bouquet garni before adding them to the pot.
How long does the stew need to simmer before adding the fish?
Simmer the mixture gently for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
When should the saffron be added?
The saffron should be added at the same time as the chunks of fish, after the initial 20-minute simmer.
How long does the fish take to cook in the stew?
Once the fish is added, continue to simmer for another 20 minutes.
How do I know when the fish is finished cooking?
The fish is done when it is flaky and cooked all the way through.
What oil is best for starting the stew?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves.
What are the primary seasonings used in this stew?
Key seasonings include ground fennel seeds, a generous pinch of saffron, salt, and black pepper.
Are there any recommended garnishes?
Yes, you can garnish the stew with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
What should I serve with this seafood stew?
It is best served with fresh crusty bread to soak up the incredible broth.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is tagged as both a healthy and low-fat seafood option.
Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute the dried rosemary with 2 fresh sprigs.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed as a one-pot meal, cooked entirely in a large pot.
How much saffron should I use?
The recipe calls for a generous pinch of saffron.
How are the fennel seeds prepared?
You should use 2 teaspoons of ground fennel seeds.
What is the serving temperature for this stew?
The stew should be served hot.
How much clam juice is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of bottled clam juice.
What type of tomatoes are specified?
The recipe specifies 28 ounces of plum tomatoes.
What does the orange peel contribute to the flavor?
The dried orange peel adds a hint of citrus that enhances the aromatic profile of the broth.
Does the alcohol from the wine stay in the stew?
No, the wine is cooked for 2 minutes after adding it to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a comfort food dish that is perfect for cozy dinners.