A Flavorful Italian Cacciucco and its Essential Ingredients.
Cacciucco is an Italian fish stew hailing from the Tuscan coast, particularly associated with the port city of Livorno. This hearty dish reflects the rich maritime heritage of the region, combining a variety of seafood in a flavorful tomato-based broth.
The origin of Cacciucco dish is believed to derive from the Turkish word küçük, meaning "small," which refers to the assortment of small, often leftover fish traditionally used in the dish. Historically, fishermen would prepare this stew using the day's catch that was unsold or deemed less marketable, making it a practical and flavorful solution to utilize all seafood
Traditional Ingredients of Cacciucco dish
A classic cacciucco incorporates various seafood such as octopus, squid, scorpion fish, and other bony fish, all simmered together in a rich broth made with tomatoes, garlic, chili, white wine, and fresh herbs like sage. The dish is traditionally served over toasted slices of bread rubbed with garlic, allowing the bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
How To Prepare Modern Cacciucco dish
Special ingredients we are going to be using:
For the base (rich tomato broth):
🥙 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
🥙 4 cloves garlic, minced
🥙 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped (optional
for heat)
🥙 1 large onion, finely chopped
🥙 1 celery stalk, diced
🥙 1 carrot, diced
🥙 1 cup dry red wine (Chianti
recommended for depth)
🥙 1 can (400g) San Marzano tomatoes,
crushed
🥙 3 cups fish stock or vegetable
broth
🥙 2 tbsp tomato paste
🥙 1 tsp paprika (adds a smoky depth)
🥙 1 bay leaf
🥙 Fresh thyme & parsley for garnish
🥙 Salt & freshly ground black pepper to
taste
For the seafood:
🍖 300g firm white fish (cod, monkfish,
or sea bass), cut into chunks
🍖 200g squid, cleaned and sliced into
rings
🍖 200g mussels, cleaned and de-bearded
🍖 200g clams, cleaned
🍖 150g shrimp, peeled and deveined
🍖 150g octopus (optional, adds great
texture!)
To serve:
🍴 Toasted sourdough bread or grilled
Tuscan bread
🍴 1 clove garlic, halved (to rub on
the bread for extra flavor)
🍴 A drizzle of high-quality olive oil
How to Make Cacciucco (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base
🥥 In a large pot, heat olive oil over
medium heat.
🥥 Add garlic, onion, celery, and carrot—sauté
until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
🥥 Stir in the chili pepper (if using) and paprika,
letting them release their aroma.
Step 2: Create a Rich Tomato Broth
🥥 Pour in the red wine, allowing it to
simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
🥥 Add the tomato paste and crushed San Marzano
tomatoes, mixing well.
🥥 Pour in the fish stock, add the bay leaf,
and let everything simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood to Perfection
🥣 Add the octopus first (if using) as it
takes longer to cook—simmer for 15 minutes.
🥣 Next, add the squid, stirring gently—cook
for 5 minutes.
🥣 Toss in the firm white fish, letting it
absorb the flavors.
🥣 Finally, add the clams, mussels, and shrimp—cover
the pot and let them steam for 5 minutes, until the shells open and the shrimp
turn pink. (Discard any shellfish that don’t open.)
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
🍽 Toast slices of sourdough or Tuscan
bread, then rub them with a clove of garlic.
🍽 Ladle the steaming Cacciucco into bowls,
placing the toasted bread on the side.
🍽 Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle
of extra virgin olive oil.
Why is Cacciucco Good for You? (Health Benefits)
🌊 Rich in Omega-3Fatty Acids → Supports brain function & heart health.
💪
Packed with Lean Protein → Essential for muscle repair & overall
strength.
❤️
Tomatoes = Antioxidants! → Loaded with lycopene, which fights
inflammation.
🔥
Garlic & Chili for Immunity → Helps boost your immune system &
metabolism.
🥕
Celery & Carrots = Fiber → Great for digestion and gut health.
