Brudet od Ribe s Palentom (Adriatic Fish & Shellfish Tomato-Wine Stew with Polenta) – Authentic Croatia Recipe

Ingredients for Brudet od Ribe s Palentom (Adriatic Fish & Shellfish Tomato-Wine Stew with Polenta) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) white fish fillets and mussels/shrimp, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups creamy yellow cornmeal polenta, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with red wine vinegar splash
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Croatia seasoning (white wine, garlic, rosemary, bay leaf)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown white fish fillets and mussels/shrimp for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, red wine vinegar splash, and white wine, garlic, rosemary, bay leaf, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add creamy yellow cornmeal polenta and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes right before serving warm.