Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo

Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo Recipe - A Traditional Italian Fish Soup

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo is a delicious and hearty Italian seafood soup with orzo pasta. This dish is packed with vegetables, white fish, and orzo, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

History

Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo has its roots in Italian cuisine, where seafood is a staple in many dishes. This soup is a popular choice in coastal regions of Italy, where fresh seafood is abundant. The addition of orzo pasta adds a unique twist to this traditional dish, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow squash
1 cup chopped zucchini
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrot
2 cans vegetable broth (14 oz (397 g))
1 jar Barilla Garden vegetable sauce
1 lb (454 g) tilapia, red snapper, or firm white fish, cut into large chunks
0.5 cup Barilla orzo
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté yellow squash, zucchini, celery, and carrots for 4 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
Add broth and garden vegetable sauce and bring to a boil.
Add fish and orzo.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in seasonings.
Tip: sprinkle with freshly grated parmigiano cheese and chopped parsley.
Serve with crusty bread, if desired.
Stir in 1 can (15 oz (425 g)) of drained and rinsed kidney beans.

Variations

Add shrimp or mussels for a seafood medley.
Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chop your vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.

- Use fresh white fish for the best flavor and texture.

- Don't overcook the orzo pasta, as it can become mushy.

- Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables would also complement this dish nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables before adding the broth to enhance their flavor.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of white fish you prefer, such as cod or halibut.

- Substitute orzo with another small pasta shape, such as ditalini or small shells.

Make Ahead Tips

Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in individual bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A side of garlic bread or bruschetta would also be a tasty accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 80%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains fish and wheat.

Summary

Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo is a nutritious and balanced meal, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's a great option for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

Summary

Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo is a flavorful and satisfying seafood soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with vegetables, white fish, and orzo pasta, this dish is a nutritious and delicious option for dinner. Serve with crusty bread and a glass of wine for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo. It was a beautiful summer day, and I was going through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a worn and splattered page with a handwritten note that read, "Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo - a taste of Italy in every bite."

I had always been drawn to Italian cuisine, with its rich flavors and comforting aromas. Growing up, my mother would often make dishes like spaghetti carbonara and chicken piccata, filling our home with the scent of garlic and tomatoes. But this recipe was different. It called for a medley of seafood - shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari - simmered in a savory broth with orzo pasta.

I knew right then and there that I had to try my hand at making this dish. So, I gathered the necessary ingredients, including fresh seafood from the local market and a bottle of white wine. As I chopped vegetables and sautéed onions in a large pot, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.

The scent of garlic and herbs filled the air as I added the seafood to the pot, watching as it slowly cooked and released its briny flavors. The broth simmered and reduced, becoming thick and flavorful, while the orzo pasta soaked up all the delicious juices.

As I ladled the steaming soup into bowls and garnished it with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor. I took a spoonful of the soup and closed my eyes, savoring the complex flavors of the seafood and the comforting warmth of the broth. It was like taking a trip to Italy with every bite.

From that day on, Zuppa di Pesce all'Italiana con Orzo became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a cozy night in. Each time I made it, I would think back to that fateful day when I discovered the recipe and how it had sparked a newfound love for Italian cuisine in me.

Over the years, I have tweaked and perfected the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations. Sometimes I would add a splash of cream for a richer broth, or a pinch of saffron for a more exotic flavor. But no matter how I prepared it, the essence of the dish remained the same - a taste of Italy in every bite.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary adventures I have experienced over the years. From learning traditional dishes from my grandmother to discovering new recipes in old cookbooks, cooking has always been a source of joy and inspiration for me.

And as I continue to share my love for food with my own family and friends, I hope that they, too, will find the same passion and excitement in exploring the vast and diverse world of cuisine. For in every recipe lies a story waiting to be told, a memory waiting to be created, and a taste waiting to be savored.