This Calamari Italian Seafood Soup blends tender calamari rings with a rich tomato base and fragrant Italian herbs. It’s a comforting dish that highlights the flavors of the Mediterranean and brings the taste of Italy straight to your table.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients (for four people)
- 500g calamari (squid rings)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 liter fish stock or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Stock
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the fish stock or vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Calamari
Add the calamari rings to the pot and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes or until the calamari is tender but not overcooked.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Tips and Tricks
- Tender Calamari: Avoid overcooking the calamari, as it can become burdensome. Cooking it for 10-15 minutes keeps it tender.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with crusty Italian bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Wine Pairing
While soups are typically consumed without wine, pairing wine with an Italian Calamari Fish Soup, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or dry Pinot Grigio complements the light, briny flavors of the calamari and the tomato-based broth.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Vegan Option: Replace the calamari with zucchini or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
About the Calamari Italian Seafood Soup
This Calamari Italian Seafood Soup is a Mediterranean-inspired dish highlighting the simplicity of seafood and tomatoes. The tender calamari rings simmered in a rich tomato broth, herbs, and spices create a soup that’s both hearty and light, perfect for any seafood lover.
Cultural Context
Calamari is a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine. It is often used in soups, pastas, and fried dishes. This soup recipe reflects the coastal regions of Italy, where fresh seafood and simple, vibrant flavors dominate the cuisine. In Italian households, seafood soups are a standard part of a meal, especially in regions by the Mediterranean Sea.
