Sardinian Tomato Seafood Stew — Briny, Cozy & Simple

There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of seafood simmering gently in tomatoes, olive oil and herbs. This Sardinian tomato seafood stew is inspired by the island’s coastal kitchens, where meals are built around what the sea offers that day and cooked simply, without fuss.

Rich but not heavy, briny yet balanced, this stew is perfect for slow evenings when you want warmth, flavor and a taste of the Mediterranean coast — all from one pot.

Ingredients for Sardinian Tomato Seafood Stew( serves 3–4)

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
• 120 ml dry white wine
• 300 g white fish fillets (cod, hake or sea bass), cut into chunks
• 200 g raw shrimp, peeled
• 300 g mussels or clams, cleaned
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Some Sardinian seafood stews also include calamari, which you can add if you have it on hand.

How to make it

1. Heat olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat and gently sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
2. Add garlic and chili flakes, cooking briefly until fragrant.
3. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, season lightly with salt and pepper, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
5. Nestle in the fish pieces and shrimp, then scatter the mussels on top. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the mussels open and the seafood is just cooked through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning, then finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

How to serve

Serve hot with thick slices of toasted bread to soak up the tomato-rich broth. A simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine make this a complete, unfussy Mediterranean meal.

If you enjoy cozy coastal dishes like this, you might also like Sardinian Fregola with Clams — Coastal Mediterranean Dinner, another island-inspired one-pot recipe. For a broader Mediterranean seafood tradition, this stew follows the same simple principles found in classic Italian fish stews documented by trusted sources like La Cucina Italiana.

This sardinian tomato seafood stew proves that the best Mediterranean meals don’t need complexity — just good ingredients, patience and a love for the sea.