Italian Fisherman’s Stew (Cacciucco)

Transport your taste buds to the Tuscan coast with this hearty and flavorful Cacciucco, an Italian Fisherman’s Stew. This rich seafood dish is packed with an assortment of fish and shellfish, simmered in a robust tomato broth infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of chili. It’s the perfect meal to warm your soul and impress guests with a rustic, coastal Italian classic. Let’s dive into this flavorful stew that brings the ocean right to your table!

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or sea bass), cut into chunks
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1/2 pound mussels or clams, scrubbed and cleaned
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup fish or seafood broth
• 1/2 cup water (if needed)
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, fish broth, white vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook gently for about 15 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
3. Add the Seafood: Begin by adding the squid rings to the pot and cook for 5 minutes. Then, add the chunks of white fish and mussels (or clams), and continue simmering for another 5-7 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the mussels open.
4. Finish with Shrimp: Finally, add the shrimp to the pot and simmer for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink and are cooked through.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with warm crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

How to Prepare

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the variety of seafood that melds together in the tomato-based broth. The white fish provides a mild, flaky texture, while the shrimp, squid, and mussels offer a mix of briny flavors and tender bites. The garlic, chili, and herbs infuse the broth with just the right amount of heat and aroma. Serve this stew with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the rich broth.

Preparation Time

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen seafood? Yes, but be sure to thaw the seafood completely before adding it to the stew.
• What can I serve with Cacciucco? It’s traditionally served with toasted or grilled bread, rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil.
• Can I use other types of fish? Absolutely! Feel free to use any firm white fish that holds up well in stews.
• Can I make this ahead of time? The stew base can be made in advance, but it’s best to add the seafood just before serving for the freshest taste.