Cape May Seafood Stew
A vibrant seafood stew featuring tender shellfish in a flavorful tomato and garlic broth, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 oz. uncooked shrimp, cleaned ⓘ
- 12 to 18 littleneck clams, scrubbed ⓘ
- 12 to 18 mussels, cleaned
- 1/2 lb. scallops ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 lb. linguine ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper to the skillet.
- Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, dry white wine, and bay leaf.
- Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add cleaned shrimp, littleneck clams, mussels, and/or scallops to the skillet.
- Cover and cook until the shells open, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook linguine according to package instructions.
- Serve the seafood stew over cooked linguine and garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade seafood stock instead of water when simmering the stew. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be a convenient substitute for uncooked shrimp. You can also swap out the linguine for a different pasta shape or even serve it with crusty bread for dipping. Experiment with other seafood varieties in this hearty stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the seafood stew over the linguine, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the meal without overpowering it. For a Mediterranean twist, consider serving it alongside Artichokes Stuffed With Creamed Crabmeat for a delightful seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cape May Seafood Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can overcook the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cape May Seafood Stew contains roughly 1353 calories, with 39g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this stew?
Yes, frozen seafood can be a convenient alternative. Just ensure to thaw it completely before adding it to the stew to maintain the right texture. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as frozen seafood may require slightly longer to cook through.
What type of white wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works well in this stew. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the flavor profile. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional broth or water.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more crushed red pepper or include some diced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. Just remember to adjust to your taste preference, as some seafood can be delicate and may not need too much heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).