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Mariscada is a luxurious seafood stew hailing from the coastal regions of Latin America. This hearty and flavorful dish combines a variety of fresh seafood simmered in a rich, aromatic broth. Perfect for special occasions or a lavish weekend meal, Mariscada brings the taste of the sea right to your table.

Ingredients:

1 lb (0.45 kg) shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 lb (0.45 kg) mussels, cleaned

1 lb (0.45 kg) clams, cleaned

1 lb (0.45 kg) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings

1 lb (0.45 kg) fish fillets (such as cod or snapper), cut into chunks

2 tbsp (0.03 lb or 0.014 kg) olive oil

1 large onion (0.5 lb or 0.23 kg), finely chopped

4 garlic cloves (0.04 lb or 0.018 kg), minced

2 bell peppers (0.66 lb or 0.3 kg), chopped

4 tomatoes (1 lb or 0.45 kg), diced

1 cup (0.5 lb or 0.23 kg) white wine

4 cups (2 lb or 0.91 kg) fish stock

2 bay leaves (0.01 lb or 0.0045 kg)

1 tsp (0.005 lb or 0.002 kg) paprika

1/2 tsp (0.0025 lb or 0.001 kg) saffron threads

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley (0.1 lb or 0.045 kg), chopped, for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Base:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the chopped bell peppers and tomatoes, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Simmer the Broth:

Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the fish stock, bay leaves, paprika, saffron threads, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Cook the Seafood:

Add the fish fillets to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in the squid rings, shrimp, mussels, and clams. Cover the pot and cook until the shellfish open and the shrimp turn pink, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any shellfish that do not open.

Finalize the Dish:

Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Serving:

Ladle the Mariscada into large bowls, making sure to include a variety of seafood in each serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side of rice to soak up the delicious broth.

Mariscada is a delightful seafood stew that captures the essence of the ocean. Its rich and flavorful broth, combined with a medley of fresh seafood, makes it a standout dish for any seafood lover. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting meal at home, Mariscada is sure to impress.