Corsican Seafood Soup

Ingredients

While Penang laksa is a spicy and tangy noodle soup, Corsican Seafood Soup takes inspiration from the original dish but adapts it to the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Corsican cuisine. The original laksa paste is replaced with a blend of Corsican herbs and spices, giving the soup a distinct Mediterranean twist. Additionally, the traditional rice noodles are substituted with Corsican pasta, adding a unique texture to the dish. The soup is also garnished with Corsican vegetables, enhancing the flavors and reflecting the local produce of the island. We alse have the original recipe for Penang laksa, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed fresh fish fillets (such as sea bass or red snapper), cut into chunks 500g (1.1 lb) mixed fresh fish fillets (such as sea bass or red snapper), cut into chunks
• 250g (8.8 oz) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 250g (8.8 oz) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 500g (1.1 lb) mussels, cleaned and debearded 500g (1.1 lb) mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon Corsican herb blend (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano) 1 tablespoon Corsican herb blend (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 liter (4 cups) fish or vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) fish or vegetable broth
• 250g (8.8 oz) Corsican pasta (such as fregula or gnocchetti) 250g (8.8 oz) Corsican pasta (such as fregula or gnocchetti)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and tomatoes to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. 3.
   Stir in the Corsican herb blend, paprika, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the fish and shrimp to the pot, and cook for a couple of minutes until they start to turn opaque.
5. 5.
   Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, cook the Corsican pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. 7.
   Add the mussels to the soup and cover the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mussels have opened.
8. 8.
   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   To serve, divide the cooked Corsican pasta among serving bowls. Ladle the Corsican Seafood Soup over the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley.
10. 10.
    Enjoy this delightful Corsican Seafood Soup while it's still hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish fillets — Choose firm white fish fillets such as sea bass or red snapper for the best results. Ensure the fillets are fresh and free from any unpleasant odor.
• Corsican pasta — Fregula or gnocchetti are traditional Corsican pasta varieties that work well in this soup. If unavailable, you can substitute with small-sized pasta like orzo or ditalini.
• Mussels — Before cooking, make sure to clean the mussels thoroughly by scrubbing and removing any beards or debris. Discard any mussels that do not close when tapped.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Serve the Corsican Seafood Soup with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Feel free to customize the seafood selection based on your preferences and availability.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a small portion of the cooked vegetables and broth before adding the seafood.
• To enhance the Mediterranean flavors, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the soup just before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Corsican Seafood Soup hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

When serving the Corsican Seafood Soup, ensure that the vibrant colors of the seafood and vegetables are visible. Use a wide and shallow bowl to showcase the ingredients and their beautiful broth. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for an added touch of freshness.