A rich, aromatic, broth-based noodle stew that blends the warmth of Mediterranean spices with the lively brightness of coastal herbs and fresh seafood. While the dish visually resembles Southeast Asian noodle soups, this version carries a Mediterranean twist through its use of herbs, vegetables, and seasoning style.

⭐ Overview

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

🧄 Ingredients

For the Broth

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or more for heat)
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 6 cups seafood or vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of ½ lemon

For the Stew Base

  • 200 g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 150 g mussels or clams (optional)
  • 200 g beef or lamb chunks (optional; image shows mixed proteins, so include if desired)
  • 200 g egg noodles or wheat noodles
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • 1 roasted red pepper, sliced
  • 1 tbsp capers
  • 1 tsp chili paste (optional for extra heat)

Fresh Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Fresh basil (Mediterranean basil works beautifully)
  • Lime or lemon wedges
  • Sliced green onions
  • Fresh bean sprouts (optional)
  • Sliced fresh chili (jalapeño or Mediterranean green chili)
  • A drizzle of olive oil or chili oil

🍲 Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Add diced tomato and tomato paste; cook until the mixture thickens and deepens in color.
  5. Add smoked paprika, sweet paprika, cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Cook the spices for 30–45 seconds to release their aroma.
  7. Pour in the broth, add the bay leaf, and season with salt and black pepper.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to develop flavor.
  9. Add lemon juice and taste for seasoning.

2. Cook the Protein

If using beef or lamb:

  1. Add the meat directly to the simmering broth.
  2. Cook until tender (about 25–35 minutes depending on the cut).

If using seafood:

  • Add shrimp and mussels later (in Step 4), because they cook quickly.

3. Add the Vegetables

  1. Add mushrooms, zucchini, roasted red pepper, and capers.
  2. Continue simmering for 10 minutes until vegetables soften.

4. Add Noodles and Seafood

  1. Add noodles directly into the broth or cook separately according to package instructions.
  2. Add shrimp and mussels/clams during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  3. Stir in chili paste if using.

Seafood is ready when shrimp turn pink and mussels open.

5. Assemble the Bowl

  1. Ladle the hot stew into deep bowls.
  2. Add bean sprouts on top if you like crunch.
  3. Sprinkle fresh cilantro/parsley, basil, and green onions.
  4. Add sliced chili for heat.
  5. Garnish with lime or lemon wedges.
  6. Drizzle a bit of olive oil or chili oil for richness.

🍋 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with crusty Mediterranean bread or toasted pita.
  • A side salad of cucumbers, olives, and feta complements the dish beautifully.
  • A light white wine (like Vermentino or Assyrtiko) pairs wonderfully.

🧂 Optional Mediterranean Enhancements

  • Add saffron threads to the broth for sophistication and color.
  • Use harissa instead of chili paste.
  • Add fennel seeds or crushed anise for a Levantine aromatic twist.
  • Replace noodles with orzo for a Greek-style variation.

🌟 Enjoy your Mediterranean Sunset Spiced Seafood Noodle Stew!

If you’d like, I can also provide:
✅ A vegetarian version
✅ A gluten-free version
✅ A Mediterranean-style name in another language (Greek, Italian, Arabic, etc.)
Just let me know!