(A traditional Portuguese seafood stew cooked in a Cataplana pan, bursting with Mediterranean flavors)
Ingredients:
For the base:
3 tbsp olive oil 
1 onion, minced 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips 
1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
3 ripe tomatoes, peeled and crushed (or a can of crushed tomatoes) 
½ glass dry white wine 
1 bay leaf 
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp Espelette pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste 
For the seafood:
300g raw shrimp, peeled 
300g mussels, cleaned 
300g cockles, cleaned
200g squid, sliced 
300g firm white fish fillets (such as cod or codfish), cut into pieces 
For the garnish:
2 tbsp fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
1 lemon, cut into wedges 
Instructions:
Prepare the Cataplana Base:Heat the olive oil in a cataplana (or large casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid) over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and peppers for 5 minutes until tender.
Add the crushed tomatoes, white wine, bay leaf, paprika, and Espelette pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
Add the Seafood:Arrange the pieces of white fish, squid, and shrimp on the vegetable base.
Add the mussels and cockles on top.
Stew:Close the cataplana tightly with its lid (or cover your casserole dish tightly).
Simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, until the seafood is open and cooked through. Shake the cataplana lightly halfway through cooking to distribute the flavors.
Serve:Open the cataplana at the table for a spectacular effect! Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Serve with fresh bread, rice, or steamed potatoes to enjoy the delicious broth.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6