Cacciucco facts for kids
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| Type | Fish stew |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Tuscany |
| Main ingredients | Broth, fish, shellfish |
Cacciucco (Italian pronunciation: [katˈtʃukko]) is a delicious Italian fish stew. It comes from the western coast of Tuscany, a region in Italy. This special dish is very popular in the port city of Livorno and the town of Viareggio.
What is Cacciucco?
Cacciucco is a rich and hearty stew. It's made with many different kinds of fish and shellfish. A fun tradition says there should be five types of fish in the soup. This is because the word "cacciucco" has five 'c's!
You might find fish like red gurnard, scorpionfish, or monkfish in it. Other seafood often used includes clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari. Sometimes, chefs even add a smooth stone from the sea to the pot! This stew can also have crabs, eels, or octopus. It really depends on what fresh seafood was caught that day.
The broth for Cacciucco is also very flavorful. It often includes vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and leeks. Spices like garlic, crushed red pepper, and parsley add to the taste. Sometimes, cooks use fish stock, tomato paste, or even a little wine. There are many ways to make Cacciucco, and each family might have its own special recipe!
Where did Cacciucco come from?
The name cacciucco might come from the Turkish word kaçukli. This word means "bits and pieces" or "odds and ends." This makes sense because the stew is made from many different kinds of fish and seafood. It's like a mix of all the best catches!
A famous Italian cookbook author, Pellegrino Artusi, wrote about Cacciucco in his book from 1891. He described how to make this tasty stew. His recipe showed how to combine different fish with a rich tomato sauce.
Similar Fish Dishes
Cacciucco is like other fish stews found around the world. For example, France has bouillabaisse, and Greece has kakavia. Spain has zarzuela, and Portugal has caldeirada.
There's also a fish stew called Cioppino. It was created by Italian-American fishermen in San Francisco. They made their version of Cacciucco using local Dungeness crab.
See also
In Spanish: Cacciucco para niños
