Treasure Island Spiced Tomato and Seafood Stew
A hearty tomato stew infused with aromatic spices and loaded with fresh seafood, evoking the flavors of a seafarer’s bounty. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup fish stock or water
- 1 lb fresh mussels, cleaned
- 1 lb peeled shrimp
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 cup diced red bell pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1 cup fish stock or water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken and develop flavors.
- Step 5: Add 1 lb cleaned fresh mussels and 1 lb peeled shrimp to the pot. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until mussels open and shrimp turn pink.
- Step 6: Season the stew with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Step 7: Serve the stew hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Treasure Island Spiced Tomato and Seafood Stew take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Treasure Island Spiced Tomato and Seafood Stew?
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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Treasure Island Spiced Tomato and Seafood Stew?
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 Treasure Island Spiced Tomato and Seafood Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Treasure Island Spiced Tomato and Seafood Stew?
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.
