Dive into a bowl of this Seafood Stew with Garlic Toast, a rich, tomato-based medley brimming with tender shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops, and flaky white fish. Infused with smoky paprika, aromatic fennel, and a splash of white wine, this stew is both comforting and elegant, making it ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. Paired with crispy, garlicky toast for dipping, every bite is a taste of the seaside!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving (without toast)

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Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced (optional, for a subtle anise flavor)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups seafood stock (or fish stock)
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ lb firm white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or sea bass), cut into 1-inch chunks
• ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ lb mussels, cleaned and debearded
• ½ lb clams, scrubbed
• ½ lb scallops (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Toast:

• 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 3 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
• 2 cloves garlic, halved
• Pinch of sea salt

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced fennel (if using), diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.

1. Build the Stew Base:

• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), seafood stock, white wine, bay leaf, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

1. Add the Seafood:

• Add the fish chunks and simmer for 5 minutes. Then, gently add the shrimp, mussels, clams, and scallops (if using). Cover the pot and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink, the fish is opaque, and the mussels and clams have opened. Discard any shellfish that remain closed.

1. Finish the Stew:

• Remove the bay leaf, stir in the chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Keep the stew warm while preparing the garlic toast.

1. Make the Garlic Toast:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or use a toaster oven. Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil or melted butter. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes, until golden and crispy. While hot, rub each slice with the cut side of a garlic clove and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the hot seafood stew into bowls, ensuring a mix of seafood in each serving. Serve with warm garlic toast on the side for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: ~400 kcal (stew only, varies with toast)
• Protein: ~30g
• Fat: ~15g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~5g
• Sodium: ~800–1000mg (depends on stock and salt)
• Cholesterol: ~100mg

Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients.

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Tips for Success

• Seafood Prep: Ensure mussels and clams are thoroughly cleaned and debearded. Soak clams in salted water for 20 minutes to remove sand.
• Seafood Substitutions: Swap in your favorite seafood like calamari or lobster, or use all shrimp or fish for simplicity.
• Make It Lighter: Replace heavy cream (if desired) with a splash of coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, though this recipe doesn’t use cream.
• Wine Choice: Use a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor. Avoid sweet wines.
• Storage: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking seafood.
• Serving Ideas: Pair with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Seafood Stew

This Seafood Stew with Garlic Toast is a celebration of bold, coastal flavors in every spoonful. The smoky, tangy tomato broth perfectly complements the tender seafood, while the garlic toast adds a crunchy, aromatic touch for dipping. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both comforting and sophisticated, making it ideal for everything from casual dinners to special occasions. Plus, it’s ready in just 45 minutes!

Spoon up this seaside delight and share your creations! Tag us with #SeafoodStew on social media. Happy cooking! 🦐🥣🥖