Seafood Fra Diablo

Ingredients:

28 ounces Italian-style diced tomatoes (I use hunts, basil, garlic and oregano italian style diced tomatoes)

1 (24 ounce) jar jar of gia russo hot sicilian pasta sauce

2 teaspoons of minced garlic

1⁄4 cup red wine (I use Merlot )

2 teaspoons italian seasoning

1⁄8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 lb fresh cleaned mussels (frozen is ok)

16 littleneck clams, cleaned

1 lb large fresh cleaned raw shrimp (frozen thawed ok)

1 lb cooked linguine or 1 lb fettuccine pasta

1⁄4 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese (optional)

1⁄4 lb fresh sliced squid (optional)

Instructions:

In a large high sided skillet over medium high heat, add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, wine, garlic, Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper.

Heat until just starting to bubble, add mussels and clams, cook until they start to open.

Lower temperature to medium and add shrimp and squid, cook 4-5 minutes until shrimp and squid cook,be careful not to over cook shrimp and squid to avoid them becoming chewy and not tender.

Serve over pasta and garnish with cheese or parsley and enjoy.

Notes:

Flavor Profile:
Seafood Fra Diablo is a flavorful dish with a spicy kick, featuring a combination of seafood cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and red wine. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes adds heat, making it a satisfying and robust seafood pasta dish.

Ingredient Tips:

Use high-quality Italian-style diced tomatoes and hot Sicilian pasta sauce for a rich and authentic flavor profile.
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but minced garlic from a jar can also be used for convenience.
Merlot wine is used to enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor; feel free to substitute with another dry red wine if desired.
Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes provide aromatic and spicy notes to the dish.
Ensure the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned; frozen seafood can also be used if fresh is not available.

Cooking Technique:

Cooking the sauce over medium-high heat allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Adding the mussels and clams first allows them to cook and open in the simmering sauce.
Lowering the temperature and adding the shrimp and squid ensures they cook gently and remain tender without becoming chewy. Be mindful not to overcook the seafood.

Optional Ingredients:

Fresh shredded Parmesan cheese can be added for a creamy and cheesy finish; omit for a dairy-free version or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Sliced squid adds a delicious seafood element; you can omit this ingredient if preferred or substitute with other seafood like scallops or crab.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Seafood Fra Diablo over cooked linguine or fettuccine pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional shredded Parmesan cheese for added freshness and flavor.
Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Enjoyment:

Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Taste the sauce before adding additional salt, as seafood can naturally be salty.
Ensure the seafood is cooked just until opaque and firm to the touch to avoid overcooking.

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Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of canned tomatoes or pasta sauce?

Yes, you can use your preferred brand or style of Italian-style diced tomatoes and hot Sicilian pasta sauce based on availability or personal taste.

Is the crushed red pepper flakes necessary for this recipe?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a spicy kick to the dish.

You can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor or adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen mussels, clams, and shrimp can be used if fresh seafood is not available.

Ensure they are properly thawed before adding to the dish.

How do I know when the mussels and clams are cooked?

Mussels and clams are cooked when their shells open.

Discard any that do not open during cooking, as they may not be safe to eat.

What if I don’t have squid or prefer not to use it?

The squid is optional and can be omitted if desired.

Feel free to substitute with other seafood like scallops or omit it altogether.

Should I season the sauce with additional salt?

Taste the sauce before adding extra salt, as seafood can naturally be salty.

Adjust seasoning according to your preference.

How can I prevent the shrimp and squid from becoming chewy?

Cook the shrimp and squid just until they turn opaque and firm to the touch, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes.

Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.

Can I substitute the Merlot wine with another type of wine?

Yes, you can use another dry red wine of your choice if Merlot is not available.

Choose a wine that complements seafood dishes.

How should I garnish the Seafood Fra Diablo?

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley, shredded Parmesan cheese, or both for added flavor and visual appeal.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Seafood Fra Diablo is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and add the seafood just before serving to prevent overcooking.