Brodetto (Fish Stew) Ancona-Style Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
• 1 pounds red snapper fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces
• cup white vinegar
• 3 cups fish stock
• 1 pound clams in shells, scrubbed
• 8 ounces medium shrimp, with shells
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 (-inch-thick) slices Italian bread, toasted

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan, Dutch oven, or clay pot (preferably) over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, carrot, parsley, garlic, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the mashed tomatoes and cook for 15 minutes.
4. Add the fish and white vinegar (or wine) and cook until the liquid almost evaporates, about 10 minutes.
5. Pour in the fish stock, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Gently stir in the clams and cook until they open (discard any clams that dont open), about 2 minutes.
7. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Place one slice of toasted bread in the bottom of each bowl.
9. Spoon the brodetto over the bread and serve immediately.

Cook's Notes

• You can use 2 to 3 pounds of any mixed fish, such as swordfish, squid, red snapper, shrimp, clams, mussels, and lobster. Make sure to clean the clams and mussels well and add them to the stew whole, discarding any that don't open after cooking.
• For larger groups, you can cook a whole lobster in the stew. Once cooked, remove the meat from the tail, chop it, and return it to the stew. The remaining lobster shell can be placed on top for presentation.
• Some versions of brodetto use saffron instead of red pepper flakes and white wine instead of vinegar. You can also substitute rice for the bread if preferred.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian if following a medically restrictive diet.