Zuppa di Pesce

Good Morning!

Happy New Year! Have you had to write the date yet? Did you have to cross out a zero and put a one there instead? For me, a new year is exciting, open to possibilities, turning over a new leaf, and yet... it can be bittersweet. I'm getting older, the boys are getting older. Time is marching on, and it seems to go faster with each passing day. It's like arriving at the end of a great book in a series. There might be three books, and you've read through two.

The new year brought fresh snow with it. White as far as the eye could see. A clean chalkboard just waiting for a story to be written across it. A swing dangling from a frozen tree branch, a parked riding lawnmower skeptical of spring coming. The bird-bath substituting as an ice rink and the row of decorative porch furniture seeking shelter under the covered patio. I put on a pair of boots, grabbed Wonderdog and headed out into deep, dry powder. There is something pristine about fresh fallen snow. And it was so quiet! I got a lot of enjoyment from snapping a few shots with the camera.

It was a perfect day to try Italian Fish Stew. There is a Sicilian tradition called Meal of the Seven Fishes. Italian families savor several dishes on Christmas Eve which are prepared using a variety of fish types, cod, shrimp, squid, etc.
I was introduced to Fish Stew by a family member.

This stew is perfect for using up produce at the end of the week. Almost anything will work. A pound of fish is sufficient, and using up to two pounds will make a hearty meal! It is delicious with crostini or homemade croutons from peasant bread. White wine can be added for a more robust flavor. The stew is very healthy and low in fat.

Here are the ingredients:

olive oil
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 diced carrots
2 diced stalks of celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
28 oz. Muir Glen chopped tomatoes
1/2 red pepper, diced
the rind and juice from one whole orange
1/2 Tbs. sugar
red chili flakes to taste
2c. quality chicken broth or clam juice
1/2c. white wine
a bit of thyme
salt and pepper to taste
a bit of basil
fresh fish 1-2 lbs. (shrimp, cod or both)

The procedure:

1.) Saute the vegetables in 2 tsp. olive oil until tender, but not soft.

2.) Next add the tomatoes, red pepper and orange.

3.) Now add the remaining ingredients (except the fish) and simmer.

4.) During the last few minutes add the fish until cooked through.

Serving bread is important for sopping up this soup.

This soup/stew depending on your choice of thickness has real bite! Something fishy is going on around here. Since last night, I've probably indulged in six cups of this!

Bon Appetit!
Alis