Cacciucco also known as Tuscan Seafood Stew

 

The traditional Italian dish Cacciucco, also known as Tuscan Seafood Stew, is renowned for its rich, flavorful broth and typically features five varieties of seafood. Each type corresponds to a 'c' in the name, symbolizing the blend of flavors from the sea. This hearty stew often includes ingredients like fish, squid, mussels, and shrimp, making it a celebrated coastal delicacy.

Ingredients

1 loaf artisan bread (roughly 12 slices)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp olive oil

2 onions, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

6 celery stalks, diced

2 Tbsp parsley

2 tsp sage

1 tsp red pepper flakes

4 cups tomatoes, diced fine

1 1/2 c water

1/4 c red wine vinegar

1 tsp salt

3 lbs. mixed fish and/or seafood, cut to bite-sized pieces (shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops, Sword or Tuna, etc.)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 275°F.

Cut bread into 1” cubes. Place cubes on a baking sheet. Spray the bread lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until dry.

In a large cast-iron pot (or other soup pot), heat oil. Add onions, garlic, celery, parsley, sage, and red pepper flakes. Sauté over medium heat until onions begin to soften, 5 min.

Add tomatoes, water, vinegar, and salt, and bring to a simmer.

Chop seafood into bite-sized pieces and add to the soup. Simmer until the fish is cooked through, 10-15 min. (If using clams or mussels, add in the last 5 minutes of the cooking time.)

To serve, place croutons in the bottom of each bowl and ladle warm stew over top.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a writer and editor with forty years of experience, including twelve years in online content. She is the author of five books and holds an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, a bachelor’s in mass communication and cyber-analysis, and a master's in criminology with a focus on cybercrime and identity theft. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminology, Elizabeth’s portfolio covers politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. She is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and artist skilled in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative, she has been involved in over 300 campaigns and has transformed many life events into books and scripts. Additionally, Elizabeth manages seven blogs on topics ranging from art and life coaching to food, writing, gardening, opinion and history pieces.

Italian Cuisine, Mediterranean, Kilbride, Potpourri of Frugality, Homemade, Do it yourself