Serves : 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 pounds of 3 different kinds of fish fillets
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1-2 pounds of Oysters, clams, or mussels
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, crab, or lobster meat, or rock lobster tails
• 1 cup thinly sliced onions
• 4 Shallots or the white parts of 2 or 3 leeks, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 sweet red pepper, chopped
• 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 2-inch slice of fennel or 1 tsp. of fennel seed
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 3/4 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 whole cloves
• Zest of half an orange
• 1/2 tsp. saffron
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 cup clam juice or fish broth
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2/3 cup white wine

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of coconut oil over medium heat. When it is hot, add onions and shallots (or leeks). Sauté for a minute.
2. Add crushed garlic and sweet red pepper. Stir the vegetables until well coated.
3. Add celery, tomato, and fennel. Cook until the onion is golden.
4. Add another 1/4 cup of coconut oil, bay leaf, thyme, cloves, and the orange zest. Stir and let the flavors meld.
5. Cut fish fillets into 2-inch pieces. Add 2 cups of water and the pieces of fish to the vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes.
6. If using, add clams, oysters, or mussels and crabmeat, shrimp, or lobster tails (cut into pieces).
7. Add salt, saffron, and black pepper. Stir well.
8. Pour in lemon juice, clam juice (or fish broth), and white wine. Bring to a simmer again and cook for 5 minutes longer, allowing the flavors to blend.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. Enjoy your delicious seafood stew!

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

DF (Dairy-Free)

EF (Egg-Free)

NF (Nut-Free)

Here are some variations you can try for this seafood stew recipe:

1. Spicy Seafood Stew: Add diced chili peppers or red pepper flakes to give the stew a spicy kick. Adjust the amount of heat according to your taste preferences.
2. Coconut Seafood Stew: Substitute coconut milk for some or all of the clam juice or fish broth. This will add a creamy and slightly sweet flavor to the stew.
3. Mediterranean Seafood Stew: Use Mediterranean herbs like oregano, rosemary, and basil instead of thyme. Add Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
4. Thai-Inspired Seafood Stew: Add Thai red curry paste and lemongrass for a Thai-inspired flavor profile. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
5. Spanish Seafood Stew (Zarzuela): Use saffron generously to infuse the stew with the distinctive Spanish flavor. Add chorizo or Spanish paprika for an extra layer of taste.
6. Seafood Cioppino: Use a combination of different seafood like clams, mussels, shrimp, squid, and white fish for a traditional Italian-American cioppino.
7. Gumbo-Inspired Seafood Stew: Incorporate okra and a dark roux into the stew to give it a Creole and Cajun flair.
8. Asian-Inspired Seafood Stew: Add ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor. Consider using bok choy and shiitake mushrooms as additional ingredients.
9. Seafood and Vegetable Stew: Enhance the stew’s nutritional value by adding a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and green beans.
10. Herb-Infused Seafood Stew: Experiment with different fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or parsley to add distinct herbal flavors to the stew.