Zuppa di Cozze alla Napoletana (Neapolitan Mussel Soup)
Category: First Course
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mussels | 5 kg |
| Octopus | 1 kg |
| Shrimp | 150 g |
| Canned peeled tomatoes | 600 g |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Fine salt | 1 g |
| Squid | 300 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 60 g |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Fresh parsley | 10 g |
| White wine | 40 ml |
| Baguette | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for crostini) | 30 ml |
Instructions
Step 1: Cleaning the Seafood
To prepare the Zuppa di Cozze alla Napoletana, start by cleaning the seafood. Begin with the mussels. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, removing any debris or barnacles. Once cleaned, set them aside.
Next, move on to the squid. Gently detach the head and tentacles from the body. Rinse the squid well under running water, discarding the cartilage pen and ink sac. Slice the squid lengthwise into halves, and then place them on a clean dish towel to dry, pressing lightly with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
For the octopus, rinse it under cold water to remove any slime or grit. Detach the head and tentacles carefully, discarding the ink sac. Using a mallet or tenderizer, gently tenderize the octopus by tapping it on the surface. Wash it thoroughly again, paying special attention to the tentacles. If using a pressure cooker, cook the octopus for 10 minutes; otherwise, cook it in a regular pot for about 40 minutes, checking its tenderness by pricking it with a fork. Once done, remove the octopus, let it cool slightly, and chop the tentacles into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cooking the Mussels
Heat a little olive oil in a large pan and add a whole garlic clove to infuse the oil with flavor. Once the garlic has browned slightly, remove it and add the cleaned mussels. Pour in the white wine, allowing the mussels to open naturally. Once they have opened, remove them from the pan and set them aside, reserving the cooking liquid. Separate the open mussels from the empty shells, discarding the empty ones and placing the full ones in a bowl.
Step 3: SautΓ©ing the Seafood
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a little more olive oil and add a couple of whole garlic cloves. Once the garlic starts to brown, remove it and add the squid, octopus, and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the reserved mussel cooking liquid and stir gently.
Next, add the canned peeled tomatoes, crushing them slightly with a spoon to release their juices. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Making the Crostini
While the soup simmers, prepare the crostini. Slice the baguette into thin slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil over each slice, and toast the bread under a grill or broiler for 4-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven once they’re perfectly toasted.
Step 5: Assembling the Soup
Once the seafood and tomato sauce have simmered together, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Add the mussels to the pot and stir gently, allowing them to heat through. Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the soup just before serving, stirring it into the mixture for a burst of fresh flavor.
Step 6: Serving the Soup
Ladle the soup into deep bowls, ensuring that each serving contains a good portion of mussels, squid, octopus, and shrimp. Place the golden, crispy crostini on the side or float them on top of the soup for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Enjoy the Neapolitan seafood soup, perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends!
This rich, flavorful soup, brimming with the briny goodness of seafood and the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, is an iconic Neapolitan dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of fresh herbs and a touch of white wine elevates the depth of flavor, while the crispy crostini adds a satisfying texture contrast. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, Zuppa di Cozze alla Napoletana brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table with every spoonful.
