Spicy Chorizo Seafood Cataplana

Spicy Chorizo Seafood Cataplana

Prep: 20 min • Cook: 35 min. A robust and flavorful seafood stew featuring tender shellfish and fish, generously spiced with smoky paprika and rich chorizo, all simmered together in a tomato and bell pepper base within the traditional cataplana for an intensely aromatic culinary experience.

Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
35 min
Total time
55 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Cataplana Preparation

  1. 1Prepare the seafood: rinse and drain the mixed seafood. Ensure mussels and clams are scrubbed clean and discard any that are open and don't close when tapped.
  2. 2Prepare the vegetables: slice the bell peppers, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh parsley.
  3. 3Slice the chorizo into rounds.

Cooking

  1. 1Heat the olive oil in the base of the cataplana (or a large heavy-bottomed pot if a cataplana is unavailable) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. 2Add the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers to the cataplana. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
  3. 3Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and the white wine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. 5Arrange the mixed seafood and sliced chorizo over the tomato and pepper mixture in the cataplana. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. 6Close the cataplana securely. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until all the shellfish have opened and the fish is cooked through. Shake the cataplana gently a couple of times during cooking.
  7. 7Discard any shellfish that have not opened after cooking.

Serving

  1. 1Carefully open the cataplana (be mindful of the steam). Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley.
  2. 2Serve immediately, straight from the cataplana, with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.

Nutrition Information

Calories
651 kcal
Protein
45 g
Fat
31 g
Carbs
40 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories651 kcal
Protein45 g
Fat31 g
Carbs40 g

Tips

  • Ensure all seafood is fresh. For best results, use a combination of shellfish and firm white fish for varied texture.
  • Do not overcook the seafood. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of seafood used.
  • A cataplana is traditionally served family-style, placed in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy directly.

By Chef Michael Ilin