Cazuela de Mariscos Oriental (Cumaná Coconut & Ají Dulce Seafood Stew) – Authentic Venezuela Recipe
Eastern Venezuelan coast stew simmering fresh Caribbean seafood in achiote coconut cream.
- Country of Origin
- 🇻🇪 Venezuela (South America, Americas)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Shrimp, Mussels, And white fish, Coconut milk, Onoto (annatto)
Ingredients for Cazuela de Mariscos Oriental (Cumaná Coconut & Ají Dulce Seafood Stew) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) shrimp, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups mussels, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup and white fish
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with coconut milk
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Venezuela seasoning (onoto (annatto), cilantro, garlic, lime)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown shrimp for 5 minutes.
- Add minced onion, garlic, coconut milk, and onoto (annatto), cilantro, garlic, lime, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
- Add mussels and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
- Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
- Stir in and white fish right before serving warm.