Fideua (pasta paella)

January 3, 2016 by Caroline's Cooking

Fideua has all the wonderful flavors of paella, but is instead made with short pasta. It's packed with seafood and plenty of great flavor. You'll be back for more!

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fideua (Catalan pasta paella) in pan close up showing clams on top

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I have mentioned before that many years ago I was lucky enough to live in Spain for a while. Twice, actually - the first time in Catalunya then a couple years later in Madrid. Both exposed me to many fantastic food experiences and in Catalunya in particular, I came across so many great, unique dishes. I was lucky in having a few friends who introduced me to lots of dishes and helped me learn what was a local specialty versus something from elsewhere in Spain.

I remember being pleasantly surprised by how many Catalan and other regional Spanish dishes there were. Many are not really things I had been aware of. Some were incredibly easy (like the pan tomate) while others, like this fideua, took a bit more time. But key to all were great fresh ingredients, and olive oil.

serving of fideua on plate with lemon slice to one side and aioli on other

What is fideua?

Fideua is a traditional dish, similar in style to paella but made with short spaghetti-like pasta called 'fideos'. Its base is a wonderful mix of fish stock and a smooth tomato-pepper sauce that the pasta soaks up as it cooks, taking on all of that deliciousness. Then it's crammed with fish and seafood.

Fideua is one of those dishes that's comforting in cold weather but also light enough for warm weather. Certainly warmer is more typical in Catalunya and neighboring Valencia region, where this is believed to be from.

fideua (Catalan pasta paella) in pan with lemon slices around side

It's traditionally served with alioi (garlic mayonnaise) and a squeeze of lemon. Otherwise it's a one pan meal (well, once you've made your stock, if you do, which I recommend).

We have made a number of Spanish and Catalan dishes that we have enjoyed in our family, from tapas like Spanish chickpeas and spinach and tortilla to romesco sauce. And fideua is another we love as well. After all, it's a flavorful pasta dish so what's not to love?

fideua (Catalan pasta paella) from overhead close up

How it's made

Making fideua does, like I say, take a little bit of time but it's not a complicated dish by any means. You can make it a little quicker and easier by not making your own fish stock. However to be honest, it's so easy and adds a great flavor I really wouldn't suggest you skip this. You can also start making everything else while it's cooking then add the stock when you need it a bit later.

To make the rest of the dish, you quickly cook and remove the fish and shrimp, then cook down the onion and pepper that forms the base of the dish. Then add in the garlic and fennel seeds, followed by the pasta, to take on the oils etc then cover it with stock and tomatoes.

The pasta then cooks in this delicious mixture. The clams, fish and shrimp are added towards the end and once cooked, it's served. You can vary the seafood and fish you add to taste or what you have available but these are a good mix.

adding pasta to base then adding liquid to pot during cooking

Fideua, like paella, would traditionally be cooked outside on an open fire to add even more great flavor but even cooking indoors it's a wonderfully tasty dish. It's one that you make in as large a quantity as you need (or can fit in a pan) to share.

I have some great memories of enjoying fideua on the beach or at home with both friends and family. I hope you'll give this dish a try and make some of your own memories - it's certainly a delicious dish to add to your 'to try' list.

fideua (Catalan pasta paella) in pan from side

Try these other traditional Spanish recipes

Catalan coca - Spanish pizza
Fabada Asturiana (pork and bean stew)
Arroz negro (black rice paella)
Plus get many more Spanish recipes in the archives.

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4.80 from 5 votes