Sardinian-style Seafood Soup

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the original Shark Fin Soup, the focus shifts from the controversial ingredient to a more sustainable and culturally appropriate approach. The Sardinian-style Seafood Soup replaces shark fin with a variety of fresh seafood, such as fish, shrimp, mussels, and clams, which are abundant in the Mediterranean Sea. The flavors are also adjusted to suit the Sardinian cuisine, incorporating local herbs and spices to create a unique taste experience. We alse have the original recipe for Shark Fin Soup, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed fish fillets (such as cod, red snapper, or sea bass), cut into chunks 500g (1.1 lb) mixed fish fillets (such as cod, red snapper, or sea bass), cut into chunks
• 300g (10.5 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 300g (10.5 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 500g (1.1 lb) mussels, cleaned and debearded 500g (1.1 lb) mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 500g (1.1 lb) clams, scrubbed 500g (1.1 lb) clams, scrubbed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 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): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. 2.
   Add the diced tomatoes, saffron threads, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Pour in 2 liters (8 cups) of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. 4.
   Add the fish chunks, shrimp, mussels, and clams to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels and clams have opened.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the Sardinian-style Seafood Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
6. 6.
   Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Choose firm white fish fillets for this soup, such as cod, red snapper, or sea bass. Ensure the fish is fresh and free from any unpleasant odor.
• Shrimp — Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time during preparation. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them thoroughly before adding to the soup.
• Mussels and clams — Scrub the shells of the mussels and clams under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Discard any shells that are cracked or do not close when tapped.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can replace water with fish or seafood stock.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add more herbs or spices if desired.
• Serve the soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an extra touch of Mediterranean flavor.
• Feel free to add other seafood of your choice, such as scallops or squid, to enhance the variety of flavors and textures.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the Sardinian-style Seafood Soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Sardinian-style Seafood Soup in rustic ceramic bowls to evoke the traditional charm of Sardinian cuisine. Pair it with a side of crusty bread placed on a wooden cutting board for an inviting and authentic presentation.