Recipe
A traditional Spanish seafood dish originating from the coastal region of Catalonia, this Fideuà Visca Barça recipe features a delightful combination of fideo noodles, fresh seafood, and a rich sofregit base.
1 | sweet onions, chopped |
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5 | Tomatoes from a 14.5 oz can, drained and broken up by hand |
2 | cloves garlic, minced |
1⁄4 | cup Olive oil, a light oil such as Columela or one made from arbequina olives* |
1 | cup chicken or shellfish stock |
| • | Saffron threads (as many as you can afford) |
6 | ounces fideo pasta in coils, slightly broken up |
| • | small manila clams or cockles -- the smaller the better |
1 | fillet of black cod cut into large pieces |
2 | ounces garlic sausage or other semi-cured variety, such as chorizo bilbao |
| • | Sea salt as needed |
| • | Aioli, as condiment |
| 1. | Begin by preparing the sofregit, a flavorful base similar to the Italian soffritto, in a 12-inch skillet with a drizzle of olive oil, minced garlic, and hand-crushed tomatoes. Let it simmer gently over low heat while you warm the stock. |
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| 2. | Infuse a generous pinch of saffron into the chicken or shellfish stock. |
| 3. | In an earthenware cazuela or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat olive oil until it shimmers slightly, creating undulating ripples on the surface. Consider using a flame tamer for controlled heat. |
| 4. | Add the broken fideo noodles to the hot cazuela, lightly toasting them in the oil. Incorporate the garlic sausage, then gradually pour in ladles of saffron-infused stock until the pasta reaches al dente. Introduce the sofregit mixture and stir to combine. |
| 5. | In a separate pan, sear the large pieces of black cod in olive oil, seasoning them as you cook. |
| 6. | Gently place the seared fish into the cazuela, along with the cleaned clams. Cover with a lid and cook until the clams open and release their flavorful juices. Finish with a touch of sea salt to taste. Serve alongside aioli for a classic pairing. |
| 7. | Note: Arbequina olives, known for their small size, are a common ingredient in Catalan cuisine. Look for domestically produced arbequina olive oils as a suitable alternative, such as those from California Olive Ranch. |
Published on Jul 19, 2024 by Luminița