Zuppa di Pesce (Italian Fish Soup)

From my own personal experience, Zuppa di Pesce is a flavorful, hearty, and comforting Italian dish. It’s a seafood stew packed with fresh fish, shellfish, and rich tomato-based broth, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or impressing guests at a special dinner. Let me show you how I make this delicious seafood soup that brings a taste of the coast straight to your kitchen.

What to Expect:

Zuppa di Pesce is a satisfying dish with a rich, slightly tangy broth and an array of textures from the various types of seafood. The broth should be flavorful but not too heavy, allowing the seafood to shine. The fresh herbs and optional garlic bread make this meal feel luxurious, while the simplicity of the ingredients and method ensures it’s accessible to home cooks of all levels.

Recipe Overview:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes (for flavors to meld)
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate (requires attention to detail)
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: ~350 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $30-$40 (depending on seafood availability and quality)
• Cuisine: Italian (Mediterranean)
• Course: Main Course (Soup)

Equipment Needed:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle for serving
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Ingredients:

• For the Soup Base:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup white wine (dry, like Pinot Grigio)
  • 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Seafood:
  • 1/2 lb white fish fillets (like cod or halibut), cut into chunks
  • 1/2 lb squid, cleaned and cut into rings
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 lb mussels, cleaned and debearded
  • 1/2 lb clams, cleaned
  • Optional: 1/2 lb lobster tail (if you want a special touch!)
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Toasted crusty bread or garlic bread (optional)
  • Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Pesce  here.

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
• Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, white wine, and fish broth. Bring to a simmer.
• Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

Step 2: Add the Seafood

• Once the base has simmered, add the fish fillets, squid, and shrimp. Stir gently.
• After 5 minutes, add the mussels and clams to the pot. Continue to cook until the shellfish have opened (about 5-7 minutes). Discard any unopened shellfish.
• If using lobster, add it at the same time as the mussels and clams.

Step 3: Adjust Seasonings and Final Touches

• Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
• Allow the soup to stand for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with toasted crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Tips and Variations:

• Substitute for Dietary Preferences:
  • For a gluten-free version: Simply skip the bread or use gluten-free bread.
  • For a vegetarian version: You can replace the seafood with tofu or additional vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of fish broth.
  • For lower-fat options: Opt for white fish like cod or tilapia instead of richer fish like salmon.
• Adjust the seafood variety: If you can’t find mussels or clams, feel free to swap in more shrimp, scallops, or even crab meat for a delicious variation. The beauty of Zuppa di Pesce is that it can adapt to whatever fresh seafood you have available.
• Make it spicier: If you love a kick of heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Zuppa di Pesce  now.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg

Closing Thoughts:

I hope this guide has made making Zuppa di Pesce seem a little less daunting! It’s such a rewarding dish to prepare, and the fresh, flavorful results are worth every bit of effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, I’m confident this recipe will help you recreate the taste of the Mediterranean right at home.

Have you tried making Zuppa di Pesce before, or is this your first time? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below. I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.