Grandpa Joe's
Zuppa di Mare

Sometimes called Frutti di Mare (or Fruits of the Sea), I like to think of Zuppa di Mare as an Italian Bouillabaisse, only better.  Magnifico!

About this recipe

As I have mentioned elsewhere, Italy has over 4,700 miles of saltwater coastline.  Fish and seafood are readily available just about everywhere, but Italians will only use what is freshest in the market the day of preparation (see Notes).  Therefore, the seafood ingredients listed here are simply suggestions.

Ingredients

  • Italian Fish Stock
  • an assortment of fresh or frozen clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, calamari, and fish (see Notes)
  • linguine
  • fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • crusty Italian bread

Directions

  1. Prepare one recipe of Italian Fish Stock, or reheat stock prepared in advance.
  2. Slice the fresh fish you have selected into roughly two ounce portions and add to the stock.  Bring to a boil and then simmer gently over medium low heat for about five minutes. 
  3. Add the clams, mussels, and shrimp.  Bring to a boil and then simmer gently over medium low heat for three minutes.
  4. Add the calamari and simmer for another two minutes. 
  5. Serve immediately over linguine or simply with crusty Italian bread.  Garnish with chopped fresh Italian parsley.

Notes

  • Typically, when Zuppa di Mare is prepared in Italy, the cook decides which fish and seafood she (or he) will use based on what is freshest in the local market that day.  Michigan is certainly not Italy, but I at least attempt to do the same.  Clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and calamari are all perfect for this soup, but any combination will work equally well.  Similarly, haddock, monk fish, red snapper, striped bass, grouper, and cod are excellent firm fish alternatives.  Choose one or two (or three) from what is available and freshest that day.  Cut the fish into 2 ounce portions.
  • I typically cook 1 to 1½ pounds of seafood per person.
  • I sometimes substitute Cannolini beans for the linguine.
Zuppa di Mare.
Zuppa di Mare (individual portion) served with cannelloni beans.
Posted: February 2015.