Ligurian Seafood Buridda Delight
Immerse yourself in the flavors of Liguria with this exquisite Seafood Buridda, a traditional Italian dish that captures the essence of coastal cuisine. This stew features a medley of freshly caught seafood, gently simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a melody of vegetables. Perfectly balanced in taste, the Buridda is served atop crispy toasted Italian Garlic Bread, making every bite a delightful experience. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, this dish not only showcases the region's culinary heritage but also brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whether you opt for monkfish, squid, or succulent prawns, each ingredient sings harmoniously in this unforgettable seafood stew.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (for shallow-frying)
Carrots
2 (finely diced)
Onion
1 (finely diced)
Thyme
3 sprigs (leaves picked)
Garlic
4 cloves (finely chopped)
Tomatoes
2 kg (beef or plum, skinned, seeded, and chopped)
Fresh Fish Stock
850 ml
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh Ground Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Sugar
1/4 teaspoon
Monkfish Steaks
6 (on the bone)
Squid Rings
12
Raw King Prawns
12
Bass Fillets
6 (small or sea bream)
Raw Mussels
12
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based saucepan or casserole dish over medium heat.
2
Add the finely diced carrots and onion to the pan, along with the thyme leaves and chopped garlic. Sauté gently for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened but not browned.
3
Stir in the skinned, seeded, and chopped tomatoes, followed by the fresh fish stock. Mix well to combine.
4
Season the tomato mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
5
Cover the pot with a cartouche (a lid made from baking paper) and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Once the tomato base is rich and flavorful, add the monkfish, squid rings, king prawns, bass fillets, and mussels. Gently stir to combine and cover again. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until all seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.
7
Serve the Buridda warm over slices of toasted Italian Garlic Bread, allowing the bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ligurian Seafood Buridda Delight?
It is a traditional Italian seafood stew from the Liguria region, featuring a variety of fresh seafood simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce.
What types of seafood are included in this recipe?
This recipe includes monkfish steaks on the bone, squid rings, raw king prawns, bass fillets (or sea bream), and raw mussels.
How long does the tomato base need to simmer?
The tomato base should simmer gently for approximately 2 hours to develop a rich and flavorful profile.
What is a cartouche and how is it used here?
A cartouche is a lid made from baking paper. In this recipe, it is used to cover the pot during the 2-hour simmer to help regulate moisture.
What kind of tomatoes are best for Buridda?
The recipe recommends using 2 kg of beef or plum tomatoes that have been skinned, seeded, and chopped.
Can I substitute the bass fillets?
Yes, you can use sea bream fillets as an alternative to bass fillets.
How do I serve the Seafood Buridda?
It is best served warm over slices of toasted Italian Garlic Bread, which helps soak up the savory broth.
Why is sugar added to the sauce?
A pinch of sugar is added to the tomato mixture to balance the natural acidity of the fresh tomatoes.
How long does the seafood take to cook once added?
The seafood should be simmered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until all fish is cooked through and the mussels have opened.
What herbs are used to flavor the stew?
The recipe uses fresh thyme leaves to provide an aromatic herbal note.
How many mussels are required?
The recipe calls for 12 raw mussels.
What should I do if a mussel does not open?
If a mussel remains closed after the cooking time, it should be discarded and not eaten.
How much fish stock is needed?
You will need 850 ml of fresh fish stock.
How should the carrots and onion be prepared?
Both the carrots and the onion should be finely diced before being sautéed.
What is the first step in cooking the Buridda?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large heavy-based saucepan or casserole dish over medium heat.
Should the monkfish be boneless?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 monkfish steaks on the bone.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, it is described as an exquisite dish ideal for family gatherings or special occasions due to its rich flavors and elegant presentation.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of olive oil for shallow-frying the initial vegetables.
Can I add other shellfish to this stew?
While the recipe specifies prawns and mussels, many seafood stews can be customized with additional shellfish like clams or scallops.
What does the vegetable base consist of?
The aromatic base consists of finely diced carrots, onion, garlic, and fresh thyme leaves.
How do I know when the vegetables are ready in the first step?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they have softened but have not yet browned.
Is the squid prepared in any specific way?
The recipe requires 12 squid rings.
What is the texture of the finished Buridda?
It is a rich, aromatic stew with a medley of tender seafood in a thick tomato-based broth.
Does this dish follow the Mediterranean diet?
Yes, with its focus on seafood, olive oil, and fresh vegetables, it is a great example of Mediterranean cuisine.
What seasoning is used?
The dish is seasoned with salt, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of sugar.
How many king prawns are included?
The recipe uses 12 raw king prawns.
What is the significance of using a heavy-based saucepan?
A heavy-based pan ensures even heat distribution, which is important for the long 2-hour simmering process.
Is this a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and comforting meal that captures the essence of coastal Italian cuisine.
Can I prepare the tomato base ahead of time?
While the recipe doesn't explicitly state it, the 2-hour simmered tomato base can often be prepared in advance and reheated before adding the fresh seafood.