Zuppa di Pesce
Italian Fish Stew
A rustic and flavorful Italian fish stew, showcasing the bounty of the sea. Regional variations are common, but it's always best served with generous slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Mixed firm white fish fillets(Such as cod, snapper, monkfish, or sea bass. Cut into large, bite-sized pieces (about 2-inch chunks).)
- 500 g Fresh clams and mussels(Scrubbed clean and debearded. Discard any that are open and don't close when tapped.)
- 400 g Canned whole peeled tomatoes(Crushed by hand or pulsed briefly in a food processor.)
- 200 ml Dry white wine(Such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Thinly sliced.)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 500 ml Fish or vegetable stock(For a richer flavor, you can make a quick fish stock using fish bones and heads (see step 1).)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(Chopped, for garnish.)
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes(Optional, for a touch of heat.)
- 1 loaf Crusty bread(Sliced and toasted, for serving.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the base broth. If making a quick fish stock: simmer fish bones/heads with water, a few parsley stems, and a bay leaf for about 20 minutes, then strain. Otherwise, heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (175°C / 350°F). Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 2
Deglaze with wine and add tomatoes. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it bubble and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and the fish/vegetable stock. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the flavors meld for at least 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Cook the seafood. Increase the heat to medium-high (200°C / 400°F) and bring the broth back to a gentle boil. Add the pieces of firm white fish to the simmering broth. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is just starting to turn opaque. Then, add the cleaned clams and mussels. Cover the pot and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the shellfish have opened. Discard any clams or mussels that remain closed.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 4
Finish and serve. Gently stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot Zuppa di Pesce into large bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of fish, shellfish, and broth. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley. Serve immediately with slices of toasted crusty bread for dipping.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use the freshest, highest-quality seafood available for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot when cooking the fish and shellfish; cook in batches if necessary.
- ✓The crusty bread is not just for serving; it's an integral part of the experience, used to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
- ✓Avoid overcooking the fish and shellfish, as they can become tough and dry.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer, more complex flavor, add a pinch of saffron threads to the broth along with the tomatoes.
- Some regional versions include other seafood like shrimp, squid, or scallops.
- A splash of tomato paste can be added with the garlic for a deeper tomato flavor.