Cazuela de Mariscos (Seafood Casserole)
Why this recipe works
- Layered broth: Saffron, smoked paprika, tomato, fish stock and sherry build a savoury base before the seafood is added.
- Fast seafood cooking: The broth does most of the work, while the fish, prawns and mussels cook in just a few minutes at the end.
- Ideal with bread: The loose, aromatic broth is made for serving in bowls with crusty bread to catch every last spoonful.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Serve straight away: Seafood is at its best as soon as it is cooked; letting it sit too long in the hot broth can make the prawns and fish firm.
- Prep before simmering: Scrub the mussels, cut the fish and have the prawns ready before adding seafood to the pan, as the final stage moves quickly.
Ingredient notes
- Saffron matters: Steeping the saffron in warm stock helps release its colour and aroma before it is stirred into the broth.
- Check the mussels carefully: Use fresh mussels with intact shells, discard any that do not close when tapped, and remove any that stay closed after cooking.
- Adjust the sherry gently: Dry sherry adds brightness and depth, but it should support the seafood rather than dominate the broth.
Common mistakes
- Overcooking the seafood: Add the fish and prawns only once the broth is ready, then simmer just until the fish turns opaque and the prawns are pink.
- Boiling too hard: Keep the pan at a gentle simmer once the seafood goes in; vigorous boiling can toughen prawns and break up the fish.
- Storing for too long: Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate, but avoid freezing; the seafood texture will suffer after thawing.
Serving ideas
- Serve with crusty bread: Warm bread is the most useful side here, as it soaks up the saffron and tomato broth without competing with the seafood.
- Finish with parsley: A final scattering of fresh parsley adds colour and a clean herbal lift to the rich broth.
- Pair with a dry white wine: Choose a crisp, dry white wine that echoes the sherry’s brightness and keeps the dish feeling light.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the saffron in a small bowl and ladle over about 3 tbsp of the fish stock. Leave to steep while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
- Heat the olive oil in a casserole over medium heat. Finely chop the onion, add it to the pan, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and sweet. Crush in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the smoked paprika for 20 seconds, then add the tomatoes and the remaining fish stock, plus the saffron and its soaking liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth tastes rounded and the tomatoes have broken down.
- Add the sherry and return to a gentle simmer. Scrub and debeard the mussels, discarding any that are cracked or do not close when tapped. Add the mussels, cover, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan once, until they open.
- Cut the white fish into large bite-size pieces and add to the broth along with the prawns. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the fish is just opaque and the prawns are pink and cooked through. Discard any mussels that have not opened.
- Roughly chop the parsley and stir most of it through the casserole. Taste and adjust with a little more sherry if you like, then scatter over the remaining parsley and serve hot.
Recipe notes
Serving suggestions
This recipe pairs well with:
Tips
- Keep the heat low once the seafood goes in; a gentle simmer helps the fish stay tender and stops the prawns turning rubbery.
- If you are serving with crusty bread, warm it briefly so it soaks up the broth without cooling the casserole.
- If you are pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the prawns are fully cooked and the mussels are piping hot; discard any mussels that do not open.
Substitutions
- Replace dry sherry with dry white wine for a similar finish.
- Replace fresh parsley with fresh coriander for a different herbal note.
- Replace white fish fillet with cod fillet for a firmer texture.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until piping hot, stirring carefully so the fish stays in pieces; do not reboil hard.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 45min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Spanish
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Allergens:
Fish Molluscs
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