Mediterranean Fish Soup (Zuppa Di Pesce)
This Mediterranean Fish Soup, known as Zuppa Di Pesce, is a comforting dish that beautifully combines the flavors of the sea with aromatic herbs and spices. The key to its delightful taste lies in the rich base created by sautéing garlic and onions before adding ripe tomatoes and fresh fish. This recipe invites you to enjoy the essence of Italian cuisine in a bowl, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. If you're looking to enhance the experience, consider preparing some wagon wheel pasta on the side to stir in just before serving, adding a delightful texture and heartiness to the dish.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
7 (chopped)
Medium onions
2 (chopped)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (to coat bottom of pan)
Canned whole tomatoes
28 ounces (with juices)
Water
14 ounces (1/2 can)
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Capers
1 tablespoon
Italian parsley
1/4 cup (roughly chopped)
Pitted black olives
12 (flattened to remove pits)
Cod fish fillets
2 pounds (fresh or frozen, cut into large chunks (or haddock or other white fish, may use only 1 pound for economy))
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the chopped garlic into a cold pan along with the olive oil. Heat over medium temperature and allow the garlic to cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2
Add the chopped onions to the pan and continue to sauté for 3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
3
Next, pour in the canned tomatoes and water. Using a potato masher, break up the tomatoes to create a chunky sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
4
Stir in the dried basil, black pepper, capers, parsley, and olives. Allow the mixture to cook covered for an additional 10 minutes.
5
Carefully add the cod chunks to the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily.
6
Serve hot with slices of Italian bread for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Fish Soup (Zuppa Di Pesce)?
Mediterranean Fish Soup, or Zuppa Di Pesce, is a comforting dish that combines seafood with aromatic herbs, spices, garlic, onions, and ripe tomatoes for an authentic Italian flavor.
What type of fish is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for cod fish fillets, but you can also use haddock or other white fish varieties.
Can I use frozen fish for the soup?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cod fish fillets for this dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This Mediterranean fish soup recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What is the best way to start cooking the garlic?
Place the chopped garlic into a cold pan with olive oil first, then heat over medium temperature for about 30 seconds.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
How do I create the chunky tomato sauce base?
After adding the canned tomatoes and water, use a potato masher to break up the whole tomatoes into a chunky consistency.
How long should the tomato base simmer before adding herbs?
The tomato and water mixture should simmer covered on medium heat for 10 minutes to develop its flavors.
Which herbs and spices are used in this Zuppa Di Pesce?
The soup is seasoned with dried basil, black pepper, and roughly chopped Italian parsley.
When do I add the capers and olives?
Stir in the capers and olives along with the basil, pepper, and parsley after the initial 10-minute simmer.
How do I prepare the black olives for the soup?
Use pitted black olives and flatten them to ensure all pits are removed before adding them to the pot.
How long does the fish need to cook in the soup?
The cod chunks should cook for 20 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily.
What is the serving suggestion for a wholesome meal?
Serve the soup hot with slices of Italian bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Can I add pasta to this soup?
Yes, preparing wagon wheel pasta on the side and stirring it in just before serving adds a delightful heartiness and texture.
Is there a more economical way to make this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1 pound of fish instead of 2 pounds to save on costs.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 7 chopped garlic cloves for a rich, aromatic base.
What size should I cut the fish fillets?
The fish fillets should be cut into large chunks before being added to the simmering soup.
How much water is added to the tomatoes?
Add 14 ounces of water, which is equivalent to half of a standard 28-ounce tomato can.
Do I use the juice from the canned tomatoes?
Yes, the canned whole tomatoes should be used with their juices included.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal option featuring fresh fish and olive oil.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
Is this a quick and easy recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as 'quick and easy' and follows a straightforward simmering process.
What is the total simmering time before the fish is added?
The soup base simmers for a total of 20 minutes (two 10-minute intervals) before the fish is added.
What type of parsley should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of roughly chopped Italian parsley.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh Italian parsley is recommended for flavor, the recipe uses dried basil for the herb seasoning.
Is there a vegan option available?
The recipe tags indicate a vegan option is available, likely by substituting the fish with a plant-based alternative or more vegetables.
What is the main protein in this soup?
The primary protein source is 2 pounds of cod fish fillets.
Does the soup need to be covered while cooking?
Yes, the pot should be covered during the simmering stages and while the fish is cooking.
What makes the flavor 'Mediterranean'?
The combination of olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, capers, olives, and fresh fish creates the classic Mediterranean profile.
How many onions do I need?
You will need 2 medium-sized chopped onions for this recipe.