The variety of seafood
Mussels: From mussels to clams, these shellfish are tender and succulent, and offer a wealth of possibilities for culinary creations.
Shrimp: Whether grilled, fried or in a sauce, shrimp are a real treat. Their sweet, delicate meat can be used in many different ways.
Squid: With its slightly rubbery bite and distinctive flavor, squid is a must for seafood lovers.
Crustaceans: Lobsters, crabs and crayfish are the kings of seafood and spoil the palate with their tender, juicy meat.
Freshness is the key
When cooking with seafood, freshness is crucial. When buying, make sure that the seafood is stored in a cool place and is of high quality.
If you have the opportunity, buy seafood directly at the port or market to make sure it is fresh and has just come from the sea.
If you don't yet have a seafood and fishmonger you trust, ask around among your friends or go directly to a restaurateur who you know only serves fish of the highest quality.
spices and flavors
When preparing seafood, lemon juice, garlic, parsley and olive oil are classic accompaniments that enhance and complement the flavor of the seafood. They give the dishes freshness, spice and a Mediterranean touch.
Exotic spices such as saffron, curry or ginger can add an exciting flavor dimension to seafood.
Herbs such as dill, tarragon or coriander are also popular options to enhance the delicate flavor of the seafood.
Discover regional specialties
Each coastal region has its own specialties prepared with seafood. Try spaghetti alle vongole in Italy, seafood paella in Spain or tom yam with shrimp in Thailand. Use your seaside holiday to get to know the local cuisine and discover new taste experiences.
Cooking with seafood is not only a culinary adventure, but also a way to enjoy your seaside holiday even more and bring it home with you. The variety of seafood, its fresh preparation and the combination with aromatic spices and regional specialties make every dish a true delight for the palate. Immerse yourself in the world of seafood cuisine and let yourself be seduced by the delicious flavors of the ocean. Whether in your own kitchen or on an exotic beach, cooking with seafood is an invitation to enjoy and discover.
Winepairing: Why Rosato 2022 from the Caiaffa Vini winery in Apulia goes perfectly with seafood and paella
When it comes to food & wine pairing, it is always exciting to find the perfect combination where both the food and the wine complement each other and bring out the flavors to their full potential. One such perfect pairing is the Rosato 2022 from the renowned Caiaffa Vini winery in Puglia, which goes wonderfully with the classic Spanish dish paella. In this chapter, we will take a closer look at why this rosato is the ideal accompaniment to a delicious paella.
The freshness of the Rosato: Rosato by Caiaffa Vini is characterized by its freshness and liveliness. The light pink color reflects the fruity aromas and lively acidity that make it a refreshing choice. This freshness goes well with paella, as the dish is often prepared with seafood, such as shrimp, mussels and squid. The Rosato perfectly complements the sea flavors and provides a pleasant balance in the mouth.
The aromas of the Rosato: Rosato from the Caiaffa Vini winery impresses with a wealth of fruity aromas. Notes of juicy strawberries, fresh raspberries and citrus fruits dominate the taste. These aromas harmonize excellently with the spices and ingredients used in a paella. The light sweetness of the wine softens the spiciness of the paella and forms an exciting contrast to the savory components.
The structure of the Rosato: Despite its light and fresh nature, the 2022 Rosato from Caiaffa Vini has a good structure and body. The pleasant texture of the wine blends seamlessly into the creamy consistency of the paella and complements it wonderfully. This creates a harmonious taste experience in which both the wine and the dish unfold a pleasant fullness in the mouth.
The regional connection: Puglia, home of the Caiaffa Vini winery, and Spain, the country of origin of paella, share a Mediterranean coastal location. This geographical proximity is reflected in the culinary traditions and flavors of both regions. Choosing a Puglian wine to accompany a Spanish specialty such as paella is therefore a wonderful way to celebrate the cultural links and exchanges between Mediterranean countries.
Conclusion
Rosato from the Caiaffa Vini winery in Puglia is undoubtedly a first-class choice to accompany a paella in all its glory. The freshness, aromas, structure and regional connection of this wine perfectly match the seafood, spices and flavors found in a paella. The combination of the rosato and the paella creates a harmonious interplay in which the flavors enhance each other and lead to an unforgettable culinary experience. In the next chapter, we will show you how easy it is to make the traditional Spanish dish with an Italian-Apulian twist.
Recipe for Paella alla Pugliese
Ingredients:
2 cups Arborio rice
500 g mixed seafood (shrimps, mussels, squid)
200 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 red pepper, cut into strips
1 yellow pepper, cut into strips
1 ripe tomato, diced
1 teaspoon paprika powder
1 teaspoon saffron threads
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cups chicken broth
olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Heat some olive oil in a large paella pan or deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and fry until translucent.
Add the chicken breast pieces and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Add the pepper strips to the pan and fry for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the diced tomatoes, paprika and oregano. Fry for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.
Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir well to mix it with the other ingredients.
Pour the chicken broth into the pan and stir gently to distribute all the ingredients.
Let the paella simmer over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
Season the mixed seafood with salt and pepper. Return it to the pan with the seared chicken. Spread it evenly over the rice.
Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and let the paella simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the seafood is cooked.
Finally, sprinkle the saffron threads over the paella and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
Serve the Apulian paella straight from the pan. Enjoy it with a glass of Rosato 2022 from the Caiaffa Vini winery in Puglia to perfectly round off the flavors.
Enjoy your meal and have fun cooking!
