Portuguese seafood rice (arroz de marisco)

Arroz de Marisco is a tasty dish from Portugal. It comes from the coast and mixes fresh seafood with rice in a yummy tomato broth.

The broth gets its flavor from garlic, onions, and some herbs and spices. This dish has a comforting feel and is often served at parties or family meals.

This recipe shows how Portuguese cooking uses fresh, local ingredients to make warm and filling meals. Whether it’s a special dinner or a casual hangout, this seafood rice is sure to impress with its great taste and smell.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb mussels, cleaned
• 1 lb clams, cleaned
• 1 cup calamari rings
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup Arborio or short-grain rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic.
3. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft.
4. Next, add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
5. Stir and cook until it thickens a bit, around 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the rice and let it toast for 2-3 minutes.
7. Pour in the white wine and mix well, scraping the bottom of the pan.
8. Let it cook until the wine reduces by half.
9. Pour in the water and bring it to a simmer.
10. Season with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if you want), salt, and pepper.
11. Cook the rice for about 10 minutes, stirring every so often.
12. Then add the calamari, mussels, and clams.
13. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until the shells open.
14. Add the shrimp and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they turn pink.
15. Throw away any unopened shells.
16. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
17. Mix in the fresh parsley and cilantro.
18. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.