Livornese-style Fish Stew
MAKES ABOUT 2 QUARTS OR 8 SERVINGS
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This dish originated with fishermen in Livorno; they sold the best of their catch and used what was left over and unwanted at day’s end to make fish stew. A variety of fish went into the pot including squid, monkfish and cod. Tradition dictates that at least 5 different types of fish be used, one for each of the “c”s in the word cacciucco, which means mixture.
In this preparation start by adding he fish that takes the longest to cook. Make sure all the fish is cut the same size to keep down cooking time. This dish from start to finish should take about 25 minutes and is even better the next day. Crackling, crusty bread and a crisp salad make the meal both wholesome and complete. This stew is usually cooked in an earthenware pot atop the stove. Use your heaviest pot.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup parsley leaves
- 8 basil leaves
- 1/4 cup Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
- 2/3 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups peeled and diced plum tomatoes
- 1 cup clam juice, fish bouillon or water
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or more to taste
- 1/2 pound cleaned squid, cut into 1-inch rings
- 1/2 pound swordfish, skinned and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 pound medium shrimp (about 13) shelled or bite-size pieces of cod or other firm fish
- 1/4 pound sea scallops
- 1/4 pound monk fish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 8 toasted bread slices
Directions
- In a food processor or by hand, mince the onion, garlic, parsley and basil together. Heat the oil in a heavy-duty pot and stir in the minced onion mixture. Cook over low heat until the ingredients soften, then stir in the pepper flakes and cook 1 minute longer.
- Raise the heat to high, pour in the wine and allow most of it to evaporate. Lower heat and stir in the tomatoes, clam juice and salt. When bubbles just begin to appear on the sides of the pot, begin adding the fish pieces in the order given, allowing the squid to cook for 5 minutes before adding the swordfish. Cook just until the fish turns opaque or whitish looking and flakes easily with a fork and the shrimp have turned pink. Stir in the lemon juice and correct the salt, if necessary.
- Ladle the soup over the toasted bread slices and serve piping hot.
This recipe was featured on Season 26 - Episode 2611.
Comments
Debi
I just watched this recipe on create. I’m going to have to make it. It looks delicious.
Alicia
Me too! I saw it today and am planning to make it asap.
Ron
This worthy recipe needs more garlic and lemon per my palate (frequent traveler to Italia). And I would suggest the addition of cannellini (white beans) and julienne carrots, also scallions as garnish.
Ron
This worthy recipe needs more garlic and lemon per my palate (frequent traveler to Italia). And I would suggest the addition of cannellini (white beans) and julienne carrots, also scallions as garnish.