Imagine a plate that transports you to the sun-drenched coastal regions of Italy with every single bite! This Cous Cous ai Frutti di Mare is not just a meal, it's a culinary journey that combines the delicate texture of perfectly cooked couscous with a symphony of fresh seafood that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a seafood lover or an adventurous home cook looking to impress, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups seafood stock
- 200g mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of couscous, 2 cups of seafood stock, 200g of mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari), 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the saucepan. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the seafood stock and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the stock is boiling, add the mixed seafood to the saucepan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become rubbery.
- After the seafood is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the couscous, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the seafood stock and become fluffy.
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, divide the couscous ai frutti di mare among four plates. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Cous Cous ai Frutti di Mare, a delightful Italian seafood dish!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Seafood: The key to an exceptional Cous Cous ai Frutti di Mare is using the freshest seafood possible. Look for bright, firm shrimp, clean mussels, and tender calamari.
- Don't Overcook the Seafood: Seafood cooks quickly! Keep a close eye on your mixed seafood and remove it from heat as soon as it turns opaque to prevent a rubbery texture.
- Fluff with Care: When preparing couscous, always use a fork to fluff it gently. This helps separate the grains and creates a light, airy texture.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine to the seafood stock or a pinch of saffron for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley isn't just for looks - it adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich seafood perfectly. Don't be shy with your garnish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 120mg
