New York Times

Catalan Fideuà

In Catalunya, the northeastern part of Spain, there is a traditional dish called fideuà, made with short lengths of dry pasta called fideus. Instead of boiling the noodles Italian-style, the Catalan way is to cook them with only a small amount of liquid in a wide earthenware cazuela or paella pan. Here, the noodles are first browned in olive oil, then simmered in a rich fish and shellfish broth. It’s a sort of cross between risotto and paella, and it’s a dish for all lovers of Mediterranean fish soups in the bouillabaisse family. Broth is added at intervals as it is absorbed, but not much stirring is involved. A dab of garlicky allioli, the Spanish version of aïoli, is added to each soup plate before serving.