This Easy Gourmet Seafood Cassolette is a creamy and cozy dish that combines shrimp, fish, and scallops, all baked together with a golden topping. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
You’ll love how simple it is to make! Just mix up the seafood with a tasty sauce and pop it in the oven. Perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a classy dinner at home! 🐟❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp elevates this dish, but frozen shrimp works too. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. If you’re avoiding shellfish, try using diced chicken breast or mushrooms for a different texture.
Sea Scallops: Scallops are sweet and tender. If you can’t find them, you can replace them with more shrimp or even use cubed tofu if you want a vegetarian option.
White Fish: Cod or halibut are great choices, but any firm white fish like tilapia or haddock will work. If you’re really in a pinch, canned tuna or salmon can substitute, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Canned White Beans: These beans add creaminess and protein. If you’re not a fan of beans, you could leave them out, or substitute cooked lentils for a similar effect.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter touch, switch to half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. You can also use a mixture of broth and a thickener like cornstarch if you want to keep it light.
How Do I Properly Sear Seafood?
Searing is important for enhancing the flavors of seafood. Here are some easy steps to get it just right:
- Start with a hot pan! Heating the skillet first ensures a nice golden crust.
- Add enough oil—it should shimmer. This prevents sticking and helps with browning.
- Don’t crowd the pan. If it’s too full, the seafood will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
- Let it cook undisturbed for a minute or two before flipping. This helps develop that golden crust!
- Check for doneness by looking for opaque color—the seafood will continue cooking in the sauce.
With these tips, your seared seafood will add delicious flavor and texture to your cassolette!
Easy Gourmet Seafood Cassolette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Seafood:
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb sea scallops, cleaned
- 1/2 lb firm white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut), cut into chunks
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup canned white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup fish or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chervil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful seafood cassolette takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal while still giving off those gourmet vibes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté them until they soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!
2. Build the Flavor:
Mix in the tomato paste and smoked paprika. Cook this for 1 minute to release their flavors—your kitchen is going to smell even better!
3. Add the Wine:
Carefully pour in the white wine and let it cook down, reducing by half. This should take about 3-4 minutes. It helps deepen the flavor!
4. Simmer with Stock:
Add your choice of fish or vegetable stock to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which will help combine all those beautiful flavors.
5. Stir in Beans and Cream:
Next, mix in the drained white beans and heavy cream. Gently stir, letting the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, which will take around 5 minutes. Make sure to season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Sear the Seafood:
In a separate pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Lightly season the shrimp, scallops, and fish chunks with salt and pepper, then sear them until they’re just golden and nearly cooked through, about 1-2 minutes on each side. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce, so don’t worry if they’re not done yet!
7. Combine Everything:
Gently fold the seared seafood into the sauce. Make sure everything is coated nicely!
8. Transfer to Cassolette Dishes:
Spoon the lovely mixture into individual cassolette dishes or a small baking dish. You can also use ramekins if that’s what you have on hand!
9. Optional Broiling:
If you’d like a crispy topping, place your dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, garnish with fresh parsley or chervil. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Enjoy your rich and creamy seafood cassolette that brings the taste of gourmet dining right to your home! It’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner in. 🐟❤️
FAQ for Easy Gourmet Seafood Cassolette
Can I Use Frozen Seafood?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp, scallops, and fish completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture when searing.
What If I Don’t Have White Beans?
No problem! If you’re not a fan of white beans, you can replace them with cooked lentils or leave them out entirely. This dish still works beautifully without them!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cassolette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and sear the seafood in advance, then combine them just before serving. This way, you can enjoy a fresh, gourmet meal with minimal effort on the night of your dinner.
