Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant coastal regions of Italy! Frutti di Mare Fra Diavolo is not just a dish—it's a fiery symphony of succulent seafood dancing in a spicy, wine-infused tomato sauce that promises to ignite your senses and leave you craving more. Whether you're a seafood lover, a spice enthusiast, or simply looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is your ticket to an unforgettable dining experience that combines traditional Italian flavors with a tantalizing kick.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, and calamari), 1 can of diced tomatoes, 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup of white wine, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes, but do not let it smoke.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.
- Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic and oil mixture, allowing the spices to bloom and release their heat for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of white wine, stirring to combine. Increase the heat slightly and let the wine simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to develop.
- After the sauce has simmered, add the mixed seafood to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the seafood in the sauce, then cover the skillet with a lid.
- Cook the seafood for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, the mussels have opened, and the calamari are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the seafood is cooked through, remove the skillet from heat. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- To serve, ladle the Frutti di Mare Fra Diavolo into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Seafood Selection: Choose the freshest mixed seafood possible. Look for shrimp with firm, translucent flesh, mussels that are tightly closed before cooking, and calamari that appears white and glossy.
- Timing is Crucial: Seafood cooks quickly, so watch it carefully. Overcooking can make shrimp tough and calamari rubbery. Remove from heat as soon as shrimp turn pink and mussels open.
- Wine Matters: Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine should be something you'd enjoy drinking, as its flavor will infuse the sauce.
- Garlic Technique: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat medium-low and watch closely. Burnt garlic will make the entire dish bitter.
- Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Start with less—you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Garnish Freshness: Add fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and aromatic flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 150mg
