Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that's both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this Seafood Fra Diavolo recipe – a taste of the Italian coast brought right to your kitchen. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, impressing even the most discerning palates. Get ready to experience a symphony of spicy tomatoes, succulent seafood, and aromatic herbs!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe serves 4 and is easily adaptable to more or fewer servings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams work wonderfully)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Culinary Journey
Preparing the Spicy Tomato Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, white wine, oregano, and basil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Adding the Seafood:
- Add the mixed seafood to the simmering sauce. Cook until the seafood is just cooked through – shrimp will turn pink, scallops will become opaque, and mussels and clams will open. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your seafood. Discard any mussels or clams that don't open.
- Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Seafood Fra Diavolo hot, ideally with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad makes a wonderful accompaniment.
Cooking Tips for Perfection
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. For a milder dish, use less; for a fiery kick, add more!
- Seafood Selection: Feel free to use your favorite seafood combination. Cod, haddock, or even lobster would be delicious additions.
- Wine Choice: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best, complementing the seafood and tomato sauce perfectly.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make all the difference. If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Delicious Variations: Explore Your Creativity
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the sauce for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Sauté some bell peppers, onions, or zucchini before adding the tomatoes for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Creamy Fra Diavolo: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
This is an approximation and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This Seafood Fra Diavolo recipe is a testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients combined with a touch of culinary flair. It's a healthy meal, packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes – a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes for busy weeknights. Enjoy!