Brodetto d'ancona

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
FISH==
3smallsSquid
1poundsLarge shrimp
1poundsCherrystone clams (smallest possible)
5poundsUp to ...
6poundsOf a combination of: merluzzo, whiting, porgy scup, cod, mullet, filet of haddock, tuna, swordfish, halibut, sole or flounder (fresh if possible)
SEASONINGS==
1largeOnion
1Garlic clove
½cupOlive oil
½cupWine vinegar
2cupsPeeled plum tomatoes
2teaspoonsSalt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
5Sprigs parsley, coarsely chopped

Directions

Clean the squid and peel the shrimp. Clean and scale the fish, but leave the heads and tails on. Cut into good-sized chunks. Cut the onion in half, and then slice each half in the thinnest possible slivers. Add them to the garlic and olive oil in a big, heavy soup pot, and saute over medium heat. When the garlic is golden discard it. When the onion slivers are translucent, add the cut-up squid, and cook and stir until their color changes. Add the vinegar, and when that has evaporated, add the tomatoes (mashing them in the pot), fish chunks, clams, shrimp, salt and 2 or 3 twists of the peppermill. Add enough water just barely to cover fish. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the clams are opened and the meatiest fish is cooked. Taste for salt, and adjust if necessary. Sprinkle in the parsley, and cook another 1 or 2 minutes.

Serve with slices of crusty, hot Italian bread. When serving the soup, try to give a goodly variety of fish chunks, shrimp and clams to each plate first, and then ladle out about a cup of broth per plate. From The Romagnolis' Table by Margaret & G. Franco Romagnoli.

Submitted By TERRI WOLTMON On 10-01-94