Stoccafisso alla Livornese (Tuscan Codfish Stew) Recipe Guide

Stoccafisso alla Livornese is a classic dish from Tuscany that showcases the bold and comforting flavors of Italian coastal cuisine. This hearty stew features dried codfish (stoccafisso) simmered in a rich tomato sauce with olives, capers, and potatoes. From my own personal experience, this recipe brings a taste of Livorno right to your table and is perfect for a cozy family meal. Let me show you how I make this beloved Italian dish.

Notes on What to Expect When Making Stoccafisso alla Livornese

1. Time Commitment:
   Preparing stoccafisso involves soaking it for several days if not pre-soaked, so plan ahead. The actual cooking process, however, is straightforward and manageable.
2. Bold Mediterranean Flavors:
   The dish has a savory and briny flavor profile, thanks to the olives, capers, and rich tomato base. These ingredients create a harmonious balance of saltiness and tanginess.
3. Aroma While Cooking:
   As the stew simmers, your kitchen will fill with the tantalizing aroma of garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes mingling with the fish and spices.
4. Tender, Flaky Fish:
   When cooked properly, the stoccafisso becomes tender and flakes easily. The texture is firm but not rubbery, absorbing the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
5. Hearty, Comforting Dish:
   The addition of potatoes makes this stew filling and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal. It’s a complete dish on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
6. Room for Adjustment:
   While cooking, you can adjust the seasoning or liquid content to suit your taste. This recipe is forgiving and adapts well to personal preferences.
7. A Bit of Patience:
   Simmering the stew slowly is key to achieving deep flavors and tender fish. It’s a dish that rewards patience with a rich, comforting payoff.
8. A Traditional Yet Adaptable Dish:
   Although rooted in Tuscan tradition, Stoccafisso alla Livornese allows for variations and tweaks to suit your dietary needs or available ingredients without losing its essence.

Overall, expect a flavorful, hearty, and authentically Italian dish that feels both rustic and refined.

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Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate (beginner-friendly with guidance)
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate (approx. $20–$25 depending on stoccafisso availability)
• Cuisine: Italian (Tuscan)
• Course: Main dish

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Ingredients:

• 500g dried codfish (stoccafisso), soaked and deboned
• 400g canned tomatoes (or 4 large ripe fresh tomatoes, diced)
• 200g potatoes, peeled and diced
• 50g black olives (pitted)
• 1 tbsp capers, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small chili pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup vegetable stock (or fish stock)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  ##Stoccafisso alla Livornese  here.

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Equipment Needed:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Mixing spoon
• Small bowl (for soaking capers)
• Ladle
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  ##Stoccafisso alla Livornese  here.

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Stoccafisso

1. If your stoccafisso isn’t pre-soaked, soak it in cold water for 2–3 days, changing the water every 8 hours.
2. Once softened, remove any skin and bones, then cut into 2-inch pieces.

2. Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
3. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add the chili pepper now.

3. Deglaze with White Wine

1. Add the stoccafisso pieces to the pot and lightly sear for 2–3 minutes.
2. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce.

4. Build the Stew

1. Stir in the diced tomatoes, mixing well to coat the fish.
2. Add the potatoes, olives, and capers. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Pour in the stock, ensuring the ingredients are submerged but not swimming in liquid.

5. Simmer Gently

1. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. The potatoes should become tender, and the stoccafisso will absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.

6. Adjust and Rest

1. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Variations and Substitutions:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace stoccafisso with firm tofu or jackfruit and use vegetable stock.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure stock and capers are certified gluten-free if needed.
• Low Sodium: Rinse olives and capers thoroughly and reduce added salt.
• No Potatoes: Substitute with sweet potatoes or zucchini for a twist.

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Notes on What to Expect:

Expect a stew that’s rich in Mediterranean flavors with tender fish that flakes beautifully. The tomato base is savory and tangy, complemented by the briny olives and capers. The potatoes add a hearty texture, making it a filling one-pot meal.

• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  ##Stoccafisso alla Livornese  here.

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Nutritional Information Per Serving:

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg

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Tips for Success:

• Use Quality Stoccafisso: The better the fish, the richer the flavor.
• Don’t Rush the Soaking: Properly soaked stoccafisso ensures a tender texture.
• Balance the Sauce: If the stew tastes too tangy, a small pinch of sugar can balance the acidity.

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Closing

I hope this recipe guide for Stoccafisso alla Livornese has made preparing this Tuscan classic seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before, or do you plan to give it a go? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from real people like you, so share your thoughts or tips you might just inspire someone else to try it too! 😊