Santa Maria Seafood Stew with Mediterranean Herbs
A vibrant stew inspired by Columbus's ocean voyages, featuring briny sardines and sun-ripened tomatoes in a herb-infused broth. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (4 oz), drained sardines in olive oil, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 can (4 oz), drained sardines in olive oil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant but not golden.
- Step 2: Pour in white wine and simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add diced tomatoes, oregano, and lemon zest; bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Gently fold in drained sardines and olives, then simmer uncovered for 3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Santa Maria Seafood Stew with Mediterranean Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Santa Maria Seafood Stew with Mediterranean Herbs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Santa Maria Seafood Stew with Mediterranean Herbs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Santa Maria Seafood Stew with Mediterranean Herbs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Santa Maria Seafood Stew with Mediterranean Herbs?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
