Zuppa di Pesce alla Siciliana (Sicilian Fish Soup)
Why this recipe works
- Layered broth: Garlic, chilli, white wine, tomatoes and fish stock create a savoury base before the seafood is added.
- Seafood cooked in stages: Mussels, fish and prawns are added according to their cooking times, helping each element stay just done.
- Built for bread: The tomato-rich broth is central to the dish, making toasted crusty bread an essential part of serving.
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Ingredient notes
- Choose firm white fish: Use a firm, skinless white fish that can hold its shape in the broth rather than flaking apart too quickly.
- Check the mussels carefully: Use only fresh mussels with closed shells, discarding any that are cracked or do not close when tapped.
- Use a dry white wine: A dry white wine keeps the broth bright and savoury rather than sweet.
Texture tips
- Keep the simmer gentle: Once the fish goes in, avoid a rolling boil; gentle heat helps the fish stay intact and keeps the prawns tender.
- Cut the fish generously: Larger bite-sized pieces are less likely to break up while the soup finishes cooking.
Adjust the heat
- For less heat: Reduce the chilli flakes or replace them with smoked paprika for warmth without much spice.
- For more heat: Add extra chilli flakes when cooking the garlic so the heat infuses the oil and broth.
Make-ahead tips
- Make the broth ahead: The tomato and fish stock base can be prepared in advance, then reheated gently before adding the seafood.
- Reheat gently: Warm leftovers over low heat until piping hot, taking care not to overcook the fish and prawns.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the seafood: scrub and debeard the mussels, discarding any that are cracked or do not close when tapped. Cut the white fish into large bite-sized pieces. Peel the prawns if needed and pat them dry.
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and chilli flakes and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, without letting the garlic colour.
- Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Stir in the tomatoes and fish stock, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the mussels, cover, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking the pot once or twice, until the shells open. Lift the mussels out with a ladle, discarding any that stay closed, and keep them warm in a bowl.
- Return the broth to a gentle simmer and add the fish. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the fish is just turning opaque, then add the prawns and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and just cooked through.
- Stir the mussels back into the pot and take it off the heat. Finely chop the parsley and stir most of it through the soup, saving a little to finish.
- Toast the bread until crisp and golden. Ladle the soup into bowls, scatter over the remaining parsley, and serve straight away with the toast for dipping.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the broth at a gentle simmer once the fish goes in; a hard boil can break the fish and make the prawns tough.
- If you are serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the prawns are fully cooked through and the mussels are piping hot.
Substitutions
- Replace Dry White Wine with fish stock for an alcohol-free version; add it at the same point and simmer as directed.
- Replace Chili flakes with smoked paprika for a milder heat and a slightly smoky note.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool quickly and refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until piping hot, taking care not to overcook the fish and prawns.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 3 servings
- Total time: 45min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Crustaceans Fish Gluten Molluscs
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