Gourmet Seafood Cassolette Delight

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🦞 Gourmet Seafood Cassolette Delight 🍤

🍽️ Description

The Gourmet Seafood Cassolette Delight is a rich, elegant French-inspired seafood dish that perfectly blends tender shrimp, scallops, and crab meat in a creamy, aromatic sauce. Each bite bursts with the essence of the ocean, balanced by shallots, garlic, and a velvety finish of cream and wine.

Traditionally served bubbling hot in individual casseroles or ramekins, this dish is decadent yet comforting, making it perfect for romantic dinners, festive gatherings, or when you simply want to indulge in something luxurious at home.

🦐 Ingredients

Seafood Base

  • ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ lb scallops
  • ½ lb lump crab meat

For the Aromatic Base

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ½ cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup seafood or chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Topping

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seafood:
    Pat the shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics:
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 2 minutes).
  3. Cook the Seafood:
    Add shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until lightly golden (they’ll finish cooking later). Gently fold in the crab meat. Remove the seafood mixture and set aside.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
    In the same pan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually add wine, stirring to deglaze the pan. Slowly whisk in cream and broth, then add Dijon mustard, paprika, and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine:
    Return the seafood mixture to the skillet and gently coat with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Assemble & Bake:
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide the mixture into individual ramekins or a small casserole dish.
    Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter, then sprinkle over the top.
  7. Bake:
    Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping turns golden.
  8. Serve:
    Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or a light salad.

📝 Notes

  • Don’t overcook the seafood — they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
  • Use fresh seafood if possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • Substitute lobster or fish chunks (like cod or halibut) for variety.
  • White wine adds depth — if avoiding alcohol, use a splash of lemon juice instead.
  • You can assemble the dish ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving.

💡 Tips

  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or saffron for a more luxurious French flair.
  • If you like a cheesy crust, double the Parmesan in the topping.
  • For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
  • Serve in mini ramekins for individual restaurant-style portions.
  • Add spinach or leeks for a veggie boost and extra flavor complexity.

🍴 Servings

Makes 4 servings (main course) or 6 servings (as an appetizer).

⚡ Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 4 servings)

  • Calories: ~430 kcal
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg

(Values may vary depending on seafood and cream used.)

🌟 Benefits

  • High in Lean Protein: Shrimp, scallops, and crab support muscle health and tissue repair.
  • Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promotes brain and heart health.
  • Source of Vitamins B12 & D: Boosts energy and supports immune function.
  • Calcium & Zinc from seafood and cheese strengthen bones and immunity.
  • Elegant yet balanced: A luxurious meal that’s nutrient-dense and satisfying.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate (without baking) for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Q: What wine pairs best with this dish?
A: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy, buttery sauce.

Q: Can I use frozen seafood?
A: Absolutely — just thaw completely and pat dry to prevent excess water in the sauce.

Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

Q: Can I make it without cream?
A: Substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free twist — it adds richness with a hint of sweetness.

Q: How should I serve it?
A: Serve with garlic bread, rice pilaf, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces may separate upon thawing. Best enjoyed fresh.

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