⭐ Seafood Lovers’ Dream: Mediterranean Gourmet Cassolette

A rich, creamy, herb-infused seafood bake with a golden top.

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INGREDIENTS

Seafood Mix (use 3–4 types)

• 200 g shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 200 g calamari rings

• 200 g white fish chunks (cod, haddock, or snapper)

• 150 g mussels or clams (optional)

• Salt & pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Aromatics

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Cream Sauce

• ½ cup white wine (or vegetable broth)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half cream, half milk)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Salt & pepper to taste

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Topping

• ½ cup mozzarella or Gruyère cheese

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Optional Mediterranean Add-Ins

• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• Capers

• Fresh parsley

• A drizzle of lemon olive oil

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⭐ INSTRUCTIONS

1. Sauté the Seafood

1. Season seafood lightly with salt & pepper.

2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet.

3. Add shrimp, fish, and calamari.

4. Sear just 1–2 minutes, until lightly opaque.
   Do NOT fully cook — they will finish in the oven.

5. Remove and set aside.

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2. Make the Mediterranean Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter + olive oil.

2. Add onion, cook 3–4 minutes until soft.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Pour in white wine (or broth) and let it bubble for 1 minute.

5. Add:

   • cream

   • mustard

   • paprika

   • thyme

   • oregano

   • Parmesan

   • lemon zest

6. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.

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3. Combine the Seafood with the Sauce

• Stir in the partially cooked seafood.

• Add mussels/clams if using.

• Gently coat everything in the creamy sauce.

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4. Assemble the Cassolette

Transfer to small ceramic ramekins or 1 medium baking dish.

Top with:

• Cheese

• Breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil (optional for crunch)

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5. Bake

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, until:

• cheese is golden

• sauce is bubbling

• seafood is fully cooked

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⭐ SERVE WITH

• A squeeze of fresh lemon

• Garlic bread

• Mediterranean rice

• Roasted asparagus

• Green salad with olives & cucumbers

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⭐ FLAVOR NOTES

🦐 Creamy
🍋 Bright with lemon
🌿 Herbaceous
🔥 Lightly crisp on top
🌊 Packed with seafood flavor