Indulge in the coastal flavors of Croatia with our tantalizing Brodetto. This traditional Adriatic fish stew bursts with a symphony of fresh seafood, simmered in a rich tomato and wine broth infused with fragrant herbs and spices. Savor tender pieces of fish, shrimp, mussels, and squid, each spoonful transporting you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Paired perfectly with crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of savory goodness, our Croatia Brodetto is a culinary journey you won't soon forget.

Here's a recipe for Croatia Brodetto:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed seafood (fish fillets, shrimp, mussels, squid), cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups fish or seafood stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

1- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2- Add minced garlic, diced carrot, celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.

3- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine with the vegetables. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.

4- Add the dry white wine to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for a few minutes to let the alcohol evaporate.

5- Pour in the fish or seafood stock and add the bay leaf, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6- Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7- Carefully add the mixed seafood to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the broth. Cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and tender.

8- Once the seafood is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

9- Ladle the Croatia Brodetto into serving bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

10- Enjoy your flavorful Adriatic delight!

Feel free to adjust the types of seafood used according to your preference and availability. Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients used in the Croatia Brodetto recipe:

Mixed Seafood (1 lb):

• Calories: 250-350 kcal
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 5-15 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g (negligible)
• Other nutrients: Varies depending on the types of seafood used, but generally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (such as B vitamins), and minerals (such as selenium and zinc).

benefits:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function.
• Excellent source of high-quality protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, selenium, and zinc.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28 g
• Other nutrients: Contains vitamin E and antioxidants.

benefits:

• Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which help protect cells from damage.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to better cholesterol levels.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Other nutrients: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and various minerals.

benefits:

• Good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes collagen production.
• Contains sulfur compounds that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Provides dietary fiber for digestive health and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Garlic (3 cloves):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Other nutrients: Contains small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.

benefits:

• Contains compounds with potential medicinal properties, including allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral effects.
• May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
• Supports immune function and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Carrot (1 medium):

• Calories: 25 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Other nutrients: Excellent source of vitamin A (as beta-carotene), vitamin K, and potassium.

benefits:

• Excellent source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for vision health.
• Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, which help protect cells from damage.
• Provides dietary fiber for digestive health and may promote feelings of fullness.

Celery (1 stalk):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Other nutrients: Contains vitamin K, folate, and potassium.

benefits:

• Low in calories and rich in water content, making it hydrating and suitable for weight management.
• Contains antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Good source of vitamin K, which plays a role in bone health and blood clotting.

Red Bell Pepper (1 medium):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Other nutrients: Excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants.

benefits:

• Exceptional source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Provides carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene, which have antioxidant properties.
• Contains capsaicin, which may aid in metabolism and weight management.

Canned Diced Tomatoes (14 oz can):

• Calories: 70-100 kcal (depending on the brand and variety)
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 g
• Fiber: 4-5 g
• Other nutrients: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

benefits:

• Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant associated with reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
• Good source of vitamin C and potassium, which support heart health and blood pressure regulation.
• Contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and may help lower cholesterol levels.

Dry White Wine (1 cup):

• Calories: 120-150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4-6 g
• Other nutrients: Alcohol content (approximately 12-14%), minimal vitamins and minerals.

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which may have cardioprotective effects.
• May improve heart health by increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Offers potential social and psychological benefits when consumed in moderation.

Fish or Seafood Stock (2 cups):

• Nutritional values can vary significantly depending on the brand and recipe used. Typically low in calories and carbohydrates, with some protein content.

benefits:

• Provides essential nutrients from fish or seafood, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals like iodine.
• Adds depth of flavor to dishes without the need for additional salt or seasonings.
• Can be a lower-calorie option compared to other stocks or broths.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as ingredient variations, cooking methods, and serving sizes.