If there’s one dish that represents Livorno, and perhaps even Tuscany when it comes to seafood dishes, it’s Cacciucco alla Livornese. This mixed fish soup is the emblem of the city. A true and sacred dish for every Livornese, here’s the classic recipe:
Cacciucco alla Livornese (Livorno-Style Fish Stew)
A traditional, spicy fish stew from Livorno, packed with a variety of seafood and served over toasted garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 1.9 pounds monkfish cut into chunks
- 1.4 pounds octopus cut into pieces
- 1 pound squids sliced
- 14.1 ounces red scorpionfish cleaned
- 14.1 ounces shrimps cleaned
- 10.6 ounces cuttlefish sliced
- 2.2 pounds mussels cleaned
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 golden onion chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 fresh chili pepper finely chopped
- 14 ounces canned peeled tomatoes crushed
- ⅖ cup white wine
- 5 sprigs parsley chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the fish broth:
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 golden onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 5 black peppercorns
- 1 bunch parsley
- ⅓ cup white wine
- About 8.5 cups water
- Fish scraps from monkfish, red scorpionfish, and shrimps
To accompany:
- 7 ounces bread sliced
- 1 clove garlic for rubbing
Instructions
- Prepare the Mussels: Wash the mussels under running water, removing any barnacles with a stiff brush and pulling off the byssus thread. Once clean, put them in a pot, cover with a lid, and cook over high heat for about 5 minutes until they open. Set aside some whole mussels for garnish and remove the rest from their shells.2.2 pounds mussels
- Clean the Octopus: Clean the octopus by removing the beak and innards, then cut the tentacles into chunky pieces.1.4 pounds octopus
- Prepare Cuttlefish and Squids: For the cuttlefish, gently pull away the head and tentacles from the body. Wash thoroughly and remove the cuttlebone and ink sac. Chop the tentacles and head. Clean the squids by pulling out the head and inner cartilage, then peeling off the outer layer. Open the body flat, cut into strips, and then into smaller pieces.
- Prepare Monkfish and Scorpionfish: Remove the skin from the monkfish, fillet it while keeping the bones and scraps aside. Do the same with the scorpionfish—scale, remove the head and fins, and fillet, keeping any scraps for the broth.
- Clean the Shrimps: Use scissors to cut and remove the shrimp tails, legs, and carapace, leaving the head intact. Keep all scraps for the broth.
- Start the Fish Broth: Chop additional onion and celery for the broth, mince another garlic clove. In a large pot, sauté these with the fish scraps (monkfish, scorpionfish, shrimp) for a few minutes. Add whole black peppercorns and a bunch of parsley. Deglaze the pot with white wine, then add water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer for 40-50 minutes. Skim any foam from the surface. Strain the broth and set aside.
- Sauté for Cacciucco Base: In a separate large pot, finely chop another onion, a garlic clove, and a chili pepper. Sauté these in olive oil until softened.
- Cook Octopus, Squids, and Cuttlefish: Add the chopped octopus to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes. Then, add the squids and cuttlefish, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes. Pour in some white wine and let it evaporate.
- Combine with Tomatoes and Broth: Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the crushed canned tomatoes and about 1 cup of the prepared fish broth. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Add Monkfish, Scorpionfish, and Shrimps: Carefully mix in the monkfish and scorpionfish pieces, followed by the shrimps. After 10 minutes, add another 2 cups of fish broth and continue cooking.
- Final Addition – Mussels: Finally, add the previously cooked mussels (both shelled and whole) to the pot, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Prepare Garlic Bread: While the stew is finishing, slice the bread and toast it under the broiler for about 5 minutes, until crispy. Rub each slice with a clove of garlic for extra flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cacciucco is ready, stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Serve the stew hot, accompanied by the toasted garlic bread for dipping.
Notes
How can I substitute fish varieties in Cacciucco alla Livornese if I can’t find monkfish or red scorpionfish?
For monkfish, you can substitute with halibut or grouper which have a similar firm texture that holds well in stews. For red scorpionfish, snapper or rockfish are excellent alternatives as they both have a delicate flavor that complements the rich tomato and seafood broth of Cacciucco.What can I use instead of octopus in Cacciucco alla Livornese?
If octopus is unavailable or not preferred, squid or cuttlefish can be used to maintain the characteristic texture and flavor of the dish. These options work well as they are similar in texture and taste, and are also traditional in Mediterranean seafood dishes.Is there a substitute for the white wine in Cacciucco alla Livornese?
Yes, if you prefer not to use white wine, a good substitution is a combination of white wine vinegar (just a splash to avoid overpowering acidity) mixed with either water or fish broth. This mix will help to mimic the deglazing effect and flavor depth that wine contributes to the stew.Can I use a different type of bread for the garlic bread served with Cacciucco alla Livornese?
Absolutely. While traditional Italian recipes often call for ciabatta or another crusty Italian loaf, you can use any sturdy bread that can withstand soaking up the stew without falling apart, such as a French baguette or sourdough. To capture the essence of this traditional dish, consider using a terracotta pot and serving with a side of Chianti wine for an authentic Tuscan experience.Cacciucco: Livorno’s Hearty Homage to the Sea
Dive into the heart of Livorno with a bowl of Cacciucco alla Livornese, a soul-warming seafood stew that embodies the essence of Tuscan cuisine. Born out of necessity, this dish transforms lesser catches into a flavorful medley, earning its name as a “mixture” of seafood delights.
Simmered with garlic, chili pepper, tomatoes, and white wine, each spoonful offers a symphony of rich, spicy flavors, perfectly complemented by toasted garlic bread. This hearty dish not only fills the belly but also transports you to the bustling streets of Livorno, where tradition meets innovation in every bite.
Experience the culinary heritage of Livorno through Cacciucco, a true masterpiece of Tuscan cuisine. For more tantalizing dishes from Livorno, explore the link provided and embark on a culinary journey through this vibrant city.
