The Messy, Saucy Shrimp Stew
That Stole Our Hearts
From Market to Messy Fingers
If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ve met Krsto — the captain of our stove when shrimp is involved. This stew has been on heavy rotation in our home since our daughter Luca could hold a spoon… and then promptly ditch it to eat with her hands.
The journey always starts the same: a slow walk through the Kotor market, heading all the way to the end of the indoor section, where the fish vendors are lined up like salty storytellers. Krsto picks the shrimp; Sanja picks the bread (because you have to have bread for this one — trust me).
It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just feed you, it takes over the table. By the time we’re done, the plates are empty, the bread basket is a memory, and everyone’s fingers are stained with that deep, red sauce.
Fun Fact
This is not a polite dish. You eat it with your hands, sauce runs down your wrists, and you’ll end up fighting for the last chunk of bread to soak up the stew. It’s messy, it’s glorious, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Recipe: Shrimp Stew, Grumpy Style
You’ll need:
- ½ kg shrimp
- 2 big ripe tomatoes and 1 small can pelati
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 onion
- 5 cloves garlic
- Fresh parsley (a handful)
- Olive oil
- A splash of dry white wine
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to make it (the sailor’s way):
Prep the crew: Peel and chop garlic, dice onion, chop parsley stems & leaves separately.
Get the pan hot: Splash in olive oil, sauté onion until soft, add garlic, salt, pepper and parsley stems.
Tomato tide: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and pelati.
The sea’s gold: Pour in white wine, toss in shrimp, stir until they blush pink.
Raise a toast: Cook for 30–40 minutes. Simmer until thickened. Salt, pepper, done. Serve with plenty of bread for dipping.
Captain’s Orders
If you can chop, stir, and resist eating the shrimp too early, you can make this stew. It’s the kind of meal that turns a simple evening into a feast — with all the mess and laughter that come with it.
Want more local flavour?
This recipe is just one bite of Kotor life. For the full feast — from hidden restaurants to the best sunset spots — grab my Kotor Travel Guide.
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