Rustic Fisherman’s Seafood Soup

For the Seafood:

  • 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 pound mussels or clams, cleaned
  • 1/2 pound squid, cleaned and sliced into rings (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Kitchen Equipment:

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stirring spoon

Directions:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

  1. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the canned tomatoes, fish stock or seafood broth, and white wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  2. Season: Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add the Seafood

  1. Incorporate Seafood: Gently add the white fish, shrimp, mussels (or clams), and squid (if using) to the pot.
  2. Cook: Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels or clams have opened. Discard any unopened shellfish.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Remove the bay leaf.
  2. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish.

Tips and Tricks:

  1. Seafood Selection: Feel free to mix and match seafood based on what you have available. Other great options include scallops, crab, or even canned fish like tuna or salmon.
  2. Broth Options: For a richer flavor, consider using homemade fish stock or adding a splash of seafood seasoning to your broth.
  3. Vegetable Variations: You can add additional vegetables such as potatoes, zucchini, or corn for added texture and flavor.
  4. Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storing Leftovers:

Leftover Rustic Fisherman’s Seafood Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if needed. Note that seafood can become tough when reheated, so it’s best to consume the soup fresh.


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