🐟
portuguesedinner

Cataplana de Peixe

A traditional Algarve fish stew cooked in the iconic clam-shaped copper cataplana pot with tomatoes and peppers.

Prep
20 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
4.6(870 ratings)
#fish#stew#portuguese#one-pot

About This Recipe

Named after the distinctive hinged copper pot in which it is made, cataplana de peixe is a fragrant fish stew from Portugal's Algarve coast. White fish, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes steam together in a sealed pot, creating an intensely flavored one-pot meal. The cataplana pot traps all the steam and aromas, producing tender fish in a rich broth.

Ingredients

Serves 4

  • 600 gwhite fish fillets(cod or sea bass, cubed)
  • 1 largeonion(sliced)
  • 2 mediumpotatoes(sliced thin)
  • 2 mediumtomatoes(chopped)
  • 1 largered bell pepper(sliced)
  • 3 clovesgarlic(sliced)
  • 100 mlwhite wine
  • 3 tbspolive oil
  • 1 tspsweet paprika
  • 1 bunchparsley(chopped)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Layer the pot

    In the cataplana or heavy pot, layer olive oil, onion, garlic, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes.

  2. 2

    Season and add fish

    Sprinkle with paprika and salt. Lay fish pieces on top. Pour in white wine.

  3. 3

    Seal and cook

    Close the cataplana (or cover tightly with a lid). Cook over medium heat for 25-30 minutes.

  4. 4

    Serve

    Open at the table for a dramatic reveal. Garnish with parsley.

Pro Tips

  • If you don't have a cataplana, a Dutch oven with a tight lid works well.

  • Don't stir — the layers are part of the presentation.

Variations

  • Add clams or prawns along with the fish for a mixed seafood version.

Storage

Best eaten immediately. Leftover fish stew keeps 1 day refrigerated.

History & Origin

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (350g / 12.3 oz) · 4 servings total

Calories380kcal
Protein35g
Carbohydrates30g
Fat12g
Fiber4g
Protein35g
Carbs30g
Fat12g

Time Summary

Prep time20 min
Cook time30 min
Total time50 min

Have Questions?

Ask our AI cooking assistant anything about this recipe — substitutions, techniques, scaling.

Chat with AI Chef →

Community

Join the conversation

Sign in to leave a comment and save your favourite recipes