Zarzuela de Mariscos Moçambicana
A vibrant and aromatic seafood stew, inspired by Portuguese and Spanish influences, but with a distinct Mozambican flair. It typically includes a variety of fresh seafood simmered in a rich tomato and bell pepper broth, often with a hint of chili.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Mixed seafood(e.g., prawns, calamari rings, mussels, white fish fillets)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Bell peppers(1 red, 1 green, chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped or crushed)
- 150 ml White wine(dry)
- 200 ml Fish or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- small bunch Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- for serving Lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the seafood: clean prawns, cut calamari into rings, ensure fish is in bite-sized pieces. If using mussels, scrub and debeard them.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down.
- 4
Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the fish or vegetable broth.
- 5
Add the mixed seafood to the pot. Start with the fish pieces, then add calamari and prawns, and finally mussels. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or rice, accompanied by lemon wedges.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use the freshest seafood possible for the best flavor.
- ✓Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough.
- ✓A pinch of chili flakes can be added with the paprika for a touch of heat.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a creamier texture.
- Include other vegetables like peas or diced carrots.