🇮🇹 Italian Cuisine · Soups & Stews

Zuppa di Pesce

Prep

20 mins

Cook

35 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Medium

A luxurious Italian fish stew with a medley of seafood simmered in a white wine and saffron broth.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg ground beef
  • 400g ladyfingers
  • 2 tbsp sliced leeks
  • 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 200g carrots
  • a handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • balsamic vinegar, for serving
  • 500ml whole milk
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • a generous handful of celery stalks

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the sliced leeks and minced garlic gently until soft and fragrant.

  2. 2

    Stir in the red pepper flakes and cracked black pepper, toasting briefly until the kitchen fills with their aroma.

  3. 3

    Add the fresh mozzarella and baby spinach, stirring well to coat everything in the spiced base.

  4. 4

    Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and bring to a boil.

  5. 5

    Reduce the heat, cover, and let everything simmer gently until the fresh mozzarella is tender, about 35 mins.

  6. 6

    Stir in the arborio rice and continue simmering for a few minutes more, until heated through.

  7. 7

    Finish with the balsamic vinegar and adjust the seasoning to taste.

  8. 8

    Ladle into bowls, scatter over the rosemary, and serve piping hot.

Tips

Taste and adjust the seasoning right at the end — the chicken stock reduces as it simmers, concentrating the flavor.

Skim off any foam that rises during the first few minutes of simmering for a clearer, cleaner broth.

This freezes well; portion into containers and reheat gently on the stovetop for a quick meal later.