Zuppa Di Pesce(Fish Soup)
A flavorful seafood fish soup with leeks, tomatoes, and herbs, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a hearty, comforting dish full of Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 leeks, sliced thin crossways ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
- 3 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. fish (white meat), cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 lb. scallops ⓘ
- 1 lb. shrimp ⓘ
- 1 lb. lobster ⓘ
- 1 bag mussels ⓘ
- 1/4 c. fresh herbs (thyme, garlic, parsley, basil) ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté leeks and garlic in olive oil until fragrant and softened.
- Add tomato paste and cook until browned.
- Add water and crushed tomatoes, then bring to a boil.
- Add seafood and black pepper, then simmer until fish is cooked through.
- Serve the soup alone or over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the leeks. If you can't find fresh seafood, frozen options work well; just ensure they're fully thawed before cooking. You can also substitute the fish with any firm white fish like cod or halibut. Fresh herbs like dill or oregano can be used instead of the suggested mix for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious fish soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of cooked spaghetti for a heartier meal. Consider serving it alongside a light salad, like Tuna Antipasto Salad, to complement the flavors. A glass of crisp white wine will enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Zuppa Di Pesce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid overcooking the seafood. You can also add a splash of water or broth to refresh the consistency if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zuppa Di Pesce(Fish Soup) contains roughly 1370 calories, with 28g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1499mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite seafood; just ensure that the cooking times are compatible. Shellfish like clams or crab can easily replace the mussels or lobster. You can also use a mix of your favorite seafood for a personalized twist.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
While traditional Zuppa Di Pesce relies on seafood for flavor, you can create a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and artichokes. Add chickpeas or white beans for protein to make it more filling.
What can I serve with Zuppa Di Pesce?
This soup is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Crusty garlic bread is a favorite for soaking up the broth. A simple green salad or a side of Carciofi Imbottiti(Stuffed Artichokes) can complement the meal beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).