Seafood platter

Seafood platter

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 2

I propose you to discover a refined and flavorful recipe, perfect for a special dinner or a special occasion: a seafood platter. This elegant dish combines the delicate flavors of scallops and prawns with a slightly spicy sauce that will delight those who taste it.

A short seafood story

Seafood has been a staple in the gastronomy of many cultures, prized for its flavor and versatility. Over time, seafood dishes have evolved, but the essence has remained to bring fresh and authentic flavors to the table. In this recipe, we've combined tradition with a dash of innovation, adding garlic and spices to intensify the flavors.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious seafood dish, you will need:

For the seafood:
- 200-300 grams fresh clams
- 2 pieces of noix de St Jacques (scallops with edge)
- 8 fresh prawns
- 200 grams fresh (or frozen, quality) squid rings

For the sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 150 ml white wine (preferably Chardonnay)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of chili pepper paste
- A pinch of sweet paprika
- 1 heaped tablespoon of heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- A handful finely chopped parsley or coriander

Serving suggestion:
To complete this dish, you can accompany the seafood with plain potato rounds or basmati rice, prepared with a little butter and fresh herbs.

Step by step instructions

1. Preparing the seafood:
- Start by washing all the seafood thoroughly under running cold water. Let them drain for a few minutes. It is important that the seafood is fresh to get the perfect taste.

2. Preparing the squid rings:
- In a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat. When the oil is heated, add the squid rings. Season with a little salt and add 50 ml of the white wine. Cook over a low heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until opaque and tender.

3. Cooking the onions:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil, if needed, and finely chop the onion. Sauté onions over low heat, stirring constantly, until transparent, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the wine and seafood:
- Once the onions have softened, add the remaining wine and seafood (scallops, scallops, and shrimp). Arrange them evenly in the pan, making sure each seafood touches the bottom of the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and bring to a simmer.

5. Making the sauce:
- After about 5 minutes when the clams have opened, add the cooked squid rings. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. Now add the paprika, chilli paste, cream and crushed garlic cloves. Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Finalizing and serving:
- Before closing the heat, add the chopped parsley or coriander, stirring gently. It is important not to leave the seafood on the heat for too long as it can dry out and lose its delicate flavor.

7. Serving:
- Serve the seafood warm, alongside plain potatoes or rice. You can add a few slices of lemon for a touch of freshness.

Helpful hints

- Seafood choice: When choosing seafood, opt for fresh, moist-looking seafood with no unpleasant odor. If you use frozen seafood, make sure it's top quality.

- Spice control: Seafood has a delicate taste, so it's essential not to overdo the spices. Add salt in moderation and adjust the level of spiciness according to your preferences.

- Serving accessories: An elegant plate and some fresh herbs on top can turn a simple dish into an unforgettable feast.

FAQs

- Can I use frozen seafood? Yes, but make sure they are of good quality. Frozen seafood should be thawed slowly in the refrigerator before use.

- What wine should I choose for this dish? A dry white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, goes perfectly with seafood.

- How can I vary the recipe? You can add vegetables such as peppers or courgette, or try different sauces such as a tomato sauce or a lemon butter sauce.

Nutritional benefits

Seafood is an excellent source of protein, vitamins (especially B12) and minerals such as zinc and selenium. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health. This recipe is not only delicious but healthy too!

Now that you have all the necessary details, you're ready to surprise your friends and family with a special seafood dish! Get cooking!

 Ingredients: We need for 2 servings: 200-300 grams of mussels, 2 pieces of scallops, a few shrimp (I added 8), 200 grams of squid rings, all fresh but I believe it can also be made with frozen seafood if you find quality ones. In Romania, I noticed that Metro has a lot of fresh seafood. For the sauce, we need: a small onion finely chopped, 150 ml of white wine (I used Chardonnay), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, a pinch of chili paste, a pinch of paprika, a full tablespoon of sour cream, 2 cloves of garlic, a handful of finely chopped parsley or coriander.