Sicilian-Style Fish Stew

 

Sicilian-Style Fish Stew (Zuppa di Pesce alla Siciliana)

 

Sicilian-Style Fish Stew is a colourful Mediterranean dish that displays the island’s coastal heritage and ambitious flavors. Unlike creamy seafood soups, this stew is tomato-based totally, gently highly spiced, and layered with aromatics which includes garlic, fennel, capers, and olives. Fresh fish is gently simmered in a fragrant broth, growing a mild yet enjoyable meal that pairs beautifully with crusty bread.

This rustic stew is traditionally made with whatever fish is most up to date that day, making it both bendy and most economical. Firm white fish together with cod, snapper, sea bass, or haddock works specifically nicely, whilst prawns or mussels may be introduced for extra richness.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Stew Base

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

three garlic cloves, minced

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 small carrot, diced (optionally available)

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

½–1 teaspoon chili flakes (to flavor)

400 g canned overwhelmed tomatoes

½ cup dry white wine (non-obligatory)

1 cup fish or vegetable inventory

Zest of ½ lemon

1 tablespoon capers, rinsed

8–10 olives (inexperienced or Kalamata), sliced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Fish

500–600 g company white fish, reduce into big chunks

Optional: a handful of prawns or mussels

To Finish

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

 Lemon wedges, for serving

Method

1. Prepare the taste base

Heat olive oil in a wide pot over medium warmness. Add the onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes till softened. Stir in garlic, fennel seeds, and chili flakes, cooking briefly until fragrant.

2. Build the broth

Pour inside the white wine, if the usage of, and let it reduce for 1–2 mins. Add crushed tomatoes, inventory, lemon zest, capers, and olives. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and prepare dinner for 10–15 mins, allowing the flavors to combo and the sauce to barely thicken.

3. Cook the fish

Nestle the fish portions into the simmering stew. Cover and cook dinner gently for 5–7 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque and flakes effortlessly. If adding prawns or mussels, stir them in for the duration of the very last little while.

4. Finish and serve

Taste and modify seasoning. Sprinkle with clean herbs and drizzle with accurate olive oil just earlier than serving. Offer lemon wedges at the facet for brightness.

Serving Suggestions

Sicilian-Style Fish Stew is satisfactory enjoyed warm with crusty bread to absorb the flavorful broth. It also pairs well with smooth polenta, rice, or quinoa for a heartier meal. A easy green salad makes a clean accompaniment.

Tips and Variations

Vegetable-forward model: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to increase the vegetable content material.

Spicier twist: Increase chili flakes or add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.

Herb swap: Try oregano or thyme if basil or parsley isn’t to be had.

Seafood mix: Combine several sorts of fish for a greater traditional fisherman’s stew.

This Sicilian conventional is proof that easy elements can create extremely good flavor. Light, nourishing, and full of Mediterranean character, it’s ideal for each weeknight dinners and unique activities.