5 Ingredients, an Urban Family series where we sit down with a Shanghai-based chef and ask for a family-friendly meal using 5 Ingredients easily found in Shanghai; let us help you start the week with a simple five-step recipe!
This week we met with Italian chef Riccardo Messina from The Lab Shanghai Consulting and Food Design. Born in Sicily, Riccardo’s naturally talkative personality has allowed him to create a well-known profile within the cities he has worked, and I’m sure his impressive linguistic skills, learning five languages has helped. His love of all things gastronomic has led to culinary success along with multiple Michelin stars over the years. In 2016 he established The Lab, a group of culinary experts providing food design, cooking exhibitions and classes, catering and consulting.
What dish are you helping us prepare this week?
Mediterranean seafood casserole (these quantities will serve two people).
What five ingredients do we need?
Seafood
- 15 mussels
- 6 prawns
- 1 large squid
Fresh produce
- 1 bunch basil and parsley (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup tomatoes (peeled and chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
Spices
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- black pepper to your preference
Liquids
- 2 tablespoons white wine
- 250 millilitres fish/vegetable stock or water
2 tablespoons olive oil
What is the five-step recipe?
1. In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook over a moderate heat for approximately 5 minutes, until they become translucent.
2. Mix in the tomatoes and cook for approximately 5 minutes, until they begin to break down.
3. Stir in the basil and stock, and bring to a simmer. Cook on a low heat for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Add the mussels, prawns and wine, cover again and cook for approximately 3 minutes on a moderate heat until the mussels begin to open. Add the squid, then cover and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper and parsley and it’s ready to serve.
What’s your advice on your dish of the week?
This dish tastes great served with garlic toast on the side. If you prefer a little spice, you can also add fresh chilli to enhance the flavor. The quantities I have listed will serve two people, if you are feeding a larger group, adjust accordingly.
Tell us something that’s happening in your restaurant at the moment, that our Urban Family community can enjoy.
In our Lab Daily we design new recipes and dishes for our clients, host private dinners, run cooking shows and deliver upon any catering requirements they request. Our mission is to realize each of our client’s culinary visions and pass their expectations, while enhancing their love of food.
See listing for The Lab Shanghai Consulting and Food Design.
For more 5 Ingredients recipes, click here.
