Caldeirada de Peixe (Portuguese Fish Stew)

I like the way I am getting to know my butcher, fishmonger, green grocer and off licence person in this area of Brighton that I live in. I don't know their names, but just being recognised and having some small talk while shopping for my goods makes it all the more fun.

This is one of those fresh from the local market dishes. 

Ingredients:

(serves 3 @ 5 WW points each)

300g mixed Fish Filets (any kind that is fresh on the market), cut into generous chunks 

200g new Potatoes, chunky cut

1 large Onion, roughly chopped

5 Garlic Cloves, chopped

1 yellow Pepper, roughly sliced

1 tin of chopped Tomatoes (400g)

2 tsp Olive Oil

150ml White Wine

2 Bay Leafes

2 Cloves

a pinch of Nutmeg

a pinch of Saffron

1 deseeded red Chilli, finely chopped

chopped Parsley to garnish

Soak the Saffron strands in a little warm water to release its colour and flavour.

Then start by heating the Olive Oil in a heavy based pan and sweat the Onion, Garlic, Potatos, Peppers, Bayleaf, Cloves and Chilli for about 5 minutes, stirring gently all the time. They are just meant to sweat but not brown.

Add the Tomatoes and Saffron to the Stew and check the seasoning.

Simmer on a very low heat for about 50 minutes (or until the potatoes are cooked through), stirring gently every now and then to avoid things sticking to the bottom. After that nestle the fish amongst the stew and continue to cook gently for another 20 minutes. Do not stir anymore but shake the pan gently once or twice so not to break up the fish.

Finally sprinkle the chopped parsley over and serve :-)

Bon Apetit!