This easy monkfish stew is packed with flavor: saffron, onion, garlic, tomatoes, kelp and chickpeas and chock full of seafood goodness – tender bites of monkfish and jumbo shrimp. Since monkfish is an unknown fish to many, having shrimp in the stew makes it a bit more familiar, and perhaps, more inviting, for those guests of yours who may be hesitant to try something new. You could also add in fresh mussels or clams at the end, if preferred.
16ouncesmonkfishcut into 1-inch cubes, thin grey membrane removed, if frozen, thawed
2tablespoonsolive oil
1medium vidalia oniondiced
4clovesgarlicthinly sliced
1teaspoonsaffron threads
1/2cup dry white wine
26.46ouncesdiced tomatoes(1 box)
16ouncesclam juice
15.5ouncecan chickpeasdrained and rinsed
4kelp cubesfrom Atlantic Sea Farms
2bay leaves
12ouncesshrimp(any size), peeled and deveined (look for BAP or ASC certified sustainable shrimp)
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
Fresh parsleychopped
Freshly ground black pepper
For serving
Lemon wedges
Crusty bread
Salted butter
Instructions
To a large Dutch oven or stockpot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add monkfish. Brown fish on each side, 1-2 minutes, don’t cook through. Remove monkfish from pot and set aside.
Heat remaining tablespoon olive oil in pot. Add onion and saute a few minutes over medium heat until softened. Add garlic and sauté about a minute. Add saffron threads and heat an additional minute or so. Add white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up the browned bits using a wooden spoon.
Add tomatoes, clam juice, chickpeas, kelp and bay leaves. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Add shrimp. Cook five minutes then add the monkfish back in. Cook for a few more minutes, until fish and shrimp are cooked through.
Remove bay leaves. Stir in butter.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper.
Spoon into bowls. Serve with fresh lemon and crusty bread, if desired.