This Easy Gourmet Seafood Cassolette is a cozy treat! It’s packed with fresh seafood, creamy sauce, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for impressing guests or a special dinner at home!
Making this dish is easier than you think! I love how the mix of seafood gives each bite a burst of flavor. Plus, who can resist that golden, crunchy top? It’s comfort food at its best! 🐟✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for cooking! If you need a substitute, avocado oil or butter works well too. Both add a mild flavor to the dish.
White Beans: Cannellini or navy beans are perfect for creaminess. You can use chickpeas or even lentils if you need a change.
White Wine: It adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken or vegetable broth can replace it, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Seafood: I love using cod and scallops, but feel free to swap with your favorite firm fish or shellfish like shrimp or crab for variety!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter dish, half-and-half or coconut milk can work, though the texture will be a bit different with non-dairy options.
How Do I Best Sear Scallops and Shrimp?
Searing seafood adds flavor and texture, and it’s simpler than you think! Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your pan is hot! Heat oil over medium-high heat before adding seafood.
- Pat scallops and shrimp dry with a paper towel; this helps them brown nicely.
- For scallops, cook for about 2 minutes per side without disturbing them to build a good crust.
- Shrimp cook quicker—just 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece room to get that nice sear!
Enjoy perfectly cooked seafood every time with these tips!
Easy Gourmet Seafood Cassolette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup fish or seafood stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Seafood:
- 1/2 lb firm white fish fillets (like cod or halibut), cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/4 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 large sea scallops, cleaned
For Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chervil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total, which includes prep and cooking time. In just half an hour, you’ll have a delightful gourmet dish that looks and tastes impressive!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and softened. This mix adds wonderful flavor to your dish!
2. Add Garlic and Beans:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the drained white beans and gently stir to combine. Cook the beans for about 2 minutes, allowing them to warm through and absorb flavors.
3. Build the Sauce:
Pour in the dry white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the skillet. This adds great flavor! Let this mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it reduces slightly.
4. Finish the Sauce:
Next, add the fish or seafood stock to the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to deepen the flavors. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm over low heat while preparing the seafood.
5. Sear the Seafood:
In a separate skillet, heat a little more oil over medium-high heat. Season the scallops, shrimp, and fish pieces with salt and pepper. Start with the scallops, searing them for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
6. Cook the Shrimp and Fish:
Next, quickly sauté the shrimp in the same pan until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside. Finally, sauté the fish pieces for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and opaque. Ensure to remove them as well once cooked.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, take some of the creamy bean and vegetable base and spoon it onto plates. Carefully arrange the seared scallops, shrimp, and fish on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chervil for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your delightful and rich seafood cassolette!
This dish is not just delicious, but it also looks fantastic on the plate. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet experience at home!
FAQ for Easy Gourmet Seafood Cassolette
Can I Use Different Types of Seafood?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with your favorite seafood. Options like salmon, crab, or even mussels would work beautifully in this cassolette. Just adjust cooking times based on the seafood you choose to ensure everything is cooked through!
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy base and cook the seafood in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the base gently on the stove and add the seafood before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that using a substitute might slightly change the flavor and creaminess of the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat while stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. If it appears too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
