HOW TO PREPARE FIDEUA.

Fideuà is a delicious Spanish dish similar to paella but made with short strands of vermicelli-like pasta instead of rice. Here’s a traditional recipe to prepare Fideuà:

Ingredients:

• 250g fideuà noodles (short, thin pasta noodles specifically for fideuà)
• 300g seafood mix (combination of shrimp, squid rings, mussels, etc.)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 pinch saffron threads (optional)
• 750ml fish or seafood broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • If necessary, peel and devein the shrimp. Clean the squid and cut it into rings. Scrub the mussels and remove the beards.
2. Heat Olive Oil:
   • In a large, deep skillet or a paella pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Peppers:
   • Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped bell peppers. Cook for a few more minutes until the peppers are softened.
4. Add Tomatoes and Paprika:
   • Stir in the grated tomatoes and sweet paprika. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes have reduced and the mixture is well combined.
5. Toast the Fideuà Noodles:
   • Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the fideuà noodles to the center. Toast the noodles for a few minutes until they turn golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
6. Add Seafood and Saffron:
   • Arrange the seafood mix (shrimp, squid rings, mussels) over the noodles. If using saffron, crumble it into the fish broth and pour it over the noodles and seafood.
7. Pour Broth and Simmer:
   • Carefully pour the fish or seafood broth over everything in the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
8. Finish Cooking:
   • If needed, cover the pan with foil or a lid towards the end of cooking to ensure the noodles fully cook through. The dish should have a slightly crusty bottom, known as “socarrat”.
9. Serve:
   • Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips:

• Broth: Use a good-quality fish or seafood broth for the best flavor. You can also make your own broth by simmering fish bones, shrimp shells, and aromatic vegetables.
• Variations: Fideuà can also be made with chicken, rabbit, or a combination of meats instead of seafood.
• Presentation: Traditionally served directly from the pan it was cooked in for a rustic touch.

Enjoy your homemade Fideuà, a delightful Spanish dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family!