Lunch / Dinner
Portuguese Fisherman’s Stew with Fresh Cod & Clams
Fish feasts are classic Christmas Eve fare in many parts of the world. Make one part of your celebration with this traditional fisherman’s stew. It’s ideal on a night when you’re looking for something special yet comforting, too.
This fish stew, similar to France’s familiar seafood stew, bouillabaisse, is inspired by a traditional Portuguese fish stew called caldeirada. The fish and seafood typically vary by region, but the stew always has a base of potatoes, tomatoes, and onions.
To pay homage to tradition, this adaptation includes cod as well as fresh clams. Feel free to be flexible, though, and toss in your favorite shellfish. The vegetable base is spiced up with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you’re not a fan of heat you can omit them.
Ingredients
HEAT:
ADD:
STIR IN:
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Test Kitchen Tip
Whichever fish you choose for this stew, get the freshest available from a reputable fishmonger or market that has a high turnover. It should smell like the sea, not fishy.
Instructions
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add onions and bell peppers; cook, uncovered, until softened, about 15 minutes.
Add garlic to pot; cook 1 minute. Stir in bay leaves, tomato paste, pepper flakes, nutmeg, and oregano; cook 1 minute. Add potatoes and sauté until beginning to turn golden, about 10 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes, clam juice, and wine; cover and simmer to slightly thicken, about 15 minutes.
Add fish, cover, and reduce heat to medium; cook 5 minutes. Add clams, cover, and cook until they open (about 10 minutes for small clams, such as littleneck, and about 15 minutes for medium clams, such as cherrystone). After cooking, discard any unopened clams.
Gently stir in zest, lemon juice, and 2 Tbsp. parsley; season with salt and black pepper.
To serve, place a piece of Garlic-Rubbed Fried Bread in a bowl and ladle stew around serving of bread. Garnish servings with remaining 2 Tbsp. parsley.
To ensure fish doesn’t break apart while cooking, cut it into larger pieces like these 2-inch cubes.
For the most flavor from garlic, add it to a clear “hot spot” created by pushing vegetables to edges of pot.
Gently stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley — being careful not to break apart the fish.
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 260
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 7%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 60mg 20%
Sodium 344mg 14%
Carbs 23g 7%
Fiber 3g 12%
Protein 26g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.