Fresh Seafood Stew (Sopón Marinero)

Steps

• 1

  In 8 quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook celery, onions and garlic until onions are soft. Stir in saffron and achiote until well blended. Add chicken broth, salt and cilantro sprigs; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 2

  Return to boiling. Discard any broken shell or open (dead) clams that do not close when tapped. Stir clams and cod into broth mixture. Reduce heat. Cover; simmer 4 to 6 minutes or until clams open and fish flakes easily with fork. Stir in shrimp and calamari; simmer until shrimp are pink and calamari are tender about 2 minutes.
• 3

  Stir in crab. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes or until heated through. Discard any unopened clams. Top each serving with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with crusty bread to dip into broth, if desired.