If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful seafood dish, look no further than Smoky Seafood Fideos. This Spanish-inspired recipe features toasted fideos pasta, succulent seafood, and a rich, smoky tomato sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Smoky Seafood Fideos, you will need the following ingredients:
- 12 ounces fideos pasta (or broken thin spaghetti)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 1 pound clams, cleaned
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Toast the Fideos
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large, deep skillet or paella pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Toast the Pasta: Add the fideos pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and toasted, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pasta from the pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Base
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the smoked paprika and saffron threads, then add the diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Simmer the Fideos
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the seafood or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the toasted fideos pasta back to the pan and stir to combine.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Seafood
- Add the Seafood: Nestle the shrimp, mussels, and clams into the pasta mixture. Cover the pan and cook until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels and clams have opened, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels or clams that do not open.
5. Finish and Serve
- Season and Garnish: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve the Smoky Seafood Fideos with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Tips for Perfect Smoky Seafood Fideos
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh seafood will provide the best flavor and texture. Make sure to clean and prep the mussels and clams properly before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the fideos while they simmer to ensure they don’t overcook and become mushy.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smoky Seafood Fideos is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of the sea with the comforting texture of toasted pasta. The smoky tomato sauce, infused with paprika and saffron, adds depth and complexity, making this dish truly special. It’s an excellent option for those who enjoy seafood and are looking to try something new and exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of seafood? Yes, you can customize this recipe with your favorite seafood, such as scallops, squid, or fish fillets.
What can I substitute for fideos pasta? If you can’t find fideos, you can use broken thin spaghetti or vermicelli as a substitute.
Is this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of fideos.
Conclusion
Smoky Seafood Fideos is a delicious and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smoky, savory flavors and a mix of succulent seafood, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Spain right in your kitchen.