Dinner

Mediterranean Fish Stew with Garlic Toasts Recipe

Name: Mediterranean Fish Stew with Garlic Toasts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 garlic cloves, sliced; 1 red chilli, finely chopped; 2 tbsp tomato purée; 1kg tomatoes, roughly chopped; 200ml white wine; 350ml fish stock; 3 strips orange zest; 1kg skinless halibut fillets, cut into large chunks; 500g clams; 400g large raw prawns; Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 1 large ciabatta loaf, cut into 1cm slices; 5 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, halved

BySophie Carsel November 8, 2025November 8, 2025

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Introduction

This Mediterranean fish stew is a fragrant and hearty dish bursting with fresh flavors from tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of orange zest. Paired with crispy garlic toasts, it makes a perfect meal for seafood lovers looking to enjoy the taste of the coast right at home.

The image shows a copper pot filled with a seafood stew placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white patterned tile around it. Inside the pot, there are multiple layers: at the bottom, a rich red tomato sauce with chunks of white fish; on top of that, orange-pink shrimp and small clams, some open, scattered throughout. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the seafood, adding color contrast. On the side inside the pot, there are three slices of toasted white bread with grill marks, leaning against the edge. The light shines softly over the dish, creating a fresh and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1 red chilli, finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato purée
1kg tomatoes, roughly chopped
200ml white wine
350ml fish stock
3 strips orange zest
1kg skinless halibut fillets, cut into large chunks
500g clams
400g large raw prawns
Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 large ciabatta loaf, cut into 1cm slices
5 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, halved

Instructions

Step 1: To make the garlic toasts, drizzle the ciabatta slices with 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Griddle or grill the bread until golden all over. While the toasts are still hot, rub them with the halved garlic cloves and set aside.
Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a wide, deep frying pan over a gentle heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Stir in the sliced garlic and finely chopped red chilli, cooking for a couple more minutes to release their aromas.
Step 4: Add the tomato purée and roughly chopped tomatoes. Increase the heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes become pulpy.
Step 5: Pour in the white wine and simmer for about 10 minutes until most of the liquid has boiled away.
Step 6: Add the fish stock and orange zest to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Nestle the halibut chunks into the simmering liquid and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Add the clams and prawns. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the clams have opened. Discard any clams that remain closed.
Step 9: Sprinkle chopped flat-leaf parsley over the stew and serve immediately with the garlic toasts.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of dry vermouth instead of white wine.
Swap halibut for cod or sea bass if preferred.
To make it spicier, add more chopped red chilli or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Serve with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a more filling meal.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood. Garlic toasts are best eaten fresh, but you can refresh them in the oven for a few minutes if needed.

How to Serve

A round copper pan filled with a seafood stew sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white tiled table visible beneath. The stew has a rich red tomato base with pieces of white fish chunks, pink shrimp with shells, and small clams with open shells scattered throughout. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. On one side of the pan, three large slices of toasted white bread with grill marks rest upright, leaning against the edge. The lighting creates soft shadows around the pan, and a glass with a light pink drink is partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood in this stew?

Yes, this stew is versatile. You can include mussels, scallops, or different fish varieties based on availability or preference. Just adjust the cooking times to ensure everything is cooked properly.