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Livorno-style fish soup (Cacciucco alla Livornese)

Livorno-style fish soup

Course Soup
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Bowls for serving

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 lb mixed fish such as scorpionfish, red mullet, or cod
  • 1/2 lb squid or cuttlefish cleaned and sliced
  • 1/2 lb prawns peeled
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups fish stock or water
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • Stale bread toasted (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Method:
  • Prep the fish and seafood: Clean the fish (if not pre-cleaned) and cut into chunks. Slice the squid or cuttlefish and peel the prawns.
  • Cook the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and wine: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), and white wine. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
  • Add the stock and fish: Pour in the fish stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then add the fish and squid. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the fish is tender and cooked through.
  • Add prawns and let rest: Add the prawns and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest covered for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  • Prepare the bread: While the soup is resting, toast the bread. Rub each slice with garlic, then place them at the bottom of individual serving bowls.
  • Serve: Ladle the soup over the bread, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
  • Variations & Tips:
  • For a spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the heat.
  • Dietary Substitutions: To make this dish gluten-free, simply skip the bread or use gluten-free bread. For a pescatarian diet, the soup can be made without the prawns or adjusted to only use sustainable fish.
  • Vegetarian option: Although it’s traditionally a fish-based dish, a vegetable version could substitute fish stock with vegetable broth and add hearty vegetables like zucchini and potatoes.
    Livorno-style fish soup (Cacciucco alla Livornese)
Keyword Cacciucco, Livorno-style fish soup