Arroz de Marisco Santomense
A flavorful and aromatic seafood rice dish, popular in coastal regions and influenced by Portuguese cuisine. It features a medley of fresh seafood cooked with rice in a rich broth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels, squid)(cleaned)
- 300 g Short-grain rice (e.g., Bomba or Arborio)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(peeled, deseeded, and chopped)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(diced)
- 60 ml Olive oil
- 100 ml Dry white wine
- 1.2 L Seafood stock (or fish broth)
- 1 small bunch Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using clams and mussels, soak them in salted water for at least 1 hour to purge any sand. Scrub and rinse them well.
- 2
In a large, wide pot or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- 4
Stir in the rice and paprika, toasting the rice for about 1-2 minutes until the grains are coated with oil.
- 5
Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble and evaporate for a minute or two.
- 6
Add the hot seafood stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
- 7
Add the mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels, squid) to the pot. Stir gently to distribute.
- 8
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked al dente and the seafood is cooked through. The rice should absorb most of the liquid, creating a moist, slightly soupy consistency.
💡 Tip: Avoid overstirring once the seafood is added to prevent it from breaking apart. - 9
Remove from heat. Stir in most of the chopped cilantro. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- 10
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining chopped cilantro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a good quality seafood stock for the best flavor.
- ✓Do not overcook the seafood, as it can become tough.
- ✓The rice should be moist and slightly soupy, not dry.
- ✓Freshness of the seafood is key to this dish.
🔄 Variations
- Add other types of seafood like crab or lobster.
- Include a pinch of saffron for color and flavor.
- A splash of tomato paste can add depth to the broth.