Rainy-Day Seafood Stew with Herbs & Cream

Rainy-Day Seafood Stew with Herbs & Cream

Sep 23, 2025
by
My Store Admin

This Rainy-Day Seafood Stew is a warm, comforting dish perfect for wet weather in St. Louis. Made with fresh seafood from City Seafood—like cod, scallops, and shrimp—it delivers rich, coastal flavor in every bite. The creamy, herb-infused broth is built on a base of sautéed aromatics and seafood stock, with just enough spice and brightness from paprika and lemon to cut through the richness. It’s a one-pot meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome, ideal for cozy indoor dining. Paired with crusty bread, it turns a gray, rainy evening into a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience at home.


Why it works for a wet day

  • It’s warm, hearty, and comforting.

  • You can make it in one pot to keep things simple.

  • The broth soaks into the seafood and makes it rich and satisfying.


Ingredients (serves about 4)

From City Seafood you might use:

Pantry / other items:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 ribs celery, chopped

  • 1 carrot, chopped

  • 1 small potato (or 2), peeled and cubed

  • 4 cups seafood stock or fish stock (or shrimp stock, or low-sodium chicken stock)

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Fresh thyme (a few sprigs)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Juice of half a lemon


Instructions

  1. Prep the seafood

    • Pat the cod, scallops, shrimp (and salmon, if using) dry with paper towels.

    • Cut cod and salmon into chunks (~1.5–2 inch cubes).

  2. Sweat the aromatics

    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.

    • Add onion, celery, carrot, and potato. Cook until softened, ~5 minutes.

    • Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

  3. Build the broth

    • Stir in tomato paste and smoked paprika, coating the vegetables.

    • If using wine, pour it in now and let it reduce for 2–3 minutes.

    • Add seafood stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.

    • Cook until potatoes start to soften, ~10 minutes.

  4. Add the seafood

    • Gently add cod, scallops, and shrimp (and salmon chunks, if using).

    • Simmer just until seafood is cooked through — about 5–8 minutes (don’t overcook).

  5. Finish the stew

    • Stir in heavy cream and adjust salt & pepper.

    • Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.

    • Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

  6. Serve

    • Ladle into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley.

    • Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the broth.


Tips & Variations

  • If you want a tomato-forward version, add a can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes with the stock.

  • For more heat, finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

  • Swap in other seafood from City Seafood’s a la carte or sampler boxes — they have a nice variety of fish and shellfish you can mix and match.

  • If heavy cream feels too rich, use half milk / half cream, or even just milk with a bit of butter.

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