Italy By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Italy: Brodetto di Pesce (Recipe)

Brodetto di pesce fish stew with mixed seafood in a rich tomato broth

In this article

Meet Brodetto di Pesce, a soulful Italian fish stew that bottles the bright, briny spirit of the Adriatic in a single pot. Tender fish and shellfish gently poach in a rich tomato broth lifted with white wine, garlic and a handful of fresh herbs. It is the kind of dish that feels both rustic and quietly elegant — perfect for a special occasion, yet simple enough to treat yourself on an ordinary evening. Serve it with good bread and a glass of wine, and bring a taste of the Italian coast to your own table.

About Brodetto di Pesce

Brodetto di Pesce is far more than a humble bowl of soup; it is a genuine work of Italian cooking. This hearty fish stew captures the fresh flavours of the Adriatic and lets the tastes of the sea shine through. The traditional dish brings together a generous variety of fish and seafood in a rich tomato sauce, refined with a careful choice of herbs and spices. Ideal for special occasions, or simply for treating yourself, brodetto di pesce offers an unmistakable taste experience that sits proudly within Italian seafood cookery.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

300 g fresh fish (e.g. cod, sea bass)
200 g seafood (e.g. mussels, prawns)
400 g tinned tomatoes
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 glass white wine
Fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, basil)
Olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

Shopping for the ingredients

For the perfect brodetto di pesce, the choice of ingredients makes all the difference. Be sure to pick fresh fish and seafood, as the quality of the produce shapes the flavour of the finished dish more than anything else. Visit a local market or a trusted fishmonger to find the freshest catch. When buying tinned tomatoes, reach for a good-quality brand that guarantees an intense, well-rounded tomato flavour to underpin the broth.

Preparing the dish

Preparing brodetto di pesce is straightforward, though it does ask for a little time and attention. Begin by laying out and cleaning all of your ingredients before you start cooking. This includes scrubbing the mussels and peeling the prawns. Good preparation keeps the cooking process running smoothly and lets you enjoy the full flavour of each different ingredient as it goes into the pot.

Step-by-step instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
Add the tinned tomatoes and bring the sauce briefly to the boil.
Pour in the white wine and lower the heat to let the aromas mingle.
Add the fish and seafood to the pot and cook everything gently over a medium heat.
Season with salt, pepper and fresh herbs to taste, then serve the dish piping hot.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Brodetto di pesce is easy to prepare both gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it a great option for anyone with particular dietary needs. Simply use gluten-free bread if you would like to serve the stew with something to mop up the broth. Most fish and seafood are naturally lactose-free, so there is little to adjust. Enjoy the full aroma of the dish without having to worry about allergens.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Although brodetto di pesce traditionally contains fish and seafood, there are plenty of ways to prepare it vegan or vegetarian. Replace the animal products with plant-based alternatives such as tofu or seitan, which echo the texture of fish. Experiment with a range of vegetables like courgette, aubergine or peppers, all of which taste delicious in the tomato broth. The result is a wholesome, fish-free take on an Italian classic.

More tips and tricks

To give your brodetto di pesce a personal touch, add extra seasonings such as a little chilli for gentle heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh lift. Another good tip is to keep the fish element flexible — depending on the season or your mood, you can swap in different varieties. The more variety you bring, the more interesting the flavour becomes. Finishing with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil adds that little something extra.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Brodetto di pesce is wonderfully easy to tailor to personal preference. Experiment with different kinds of fish and seafood until you find the combination that suits you best. If you prefer something milder, choose less assertive fish and adjust the seasoning to match. The flexibility of the ingredients makes this dish not only delicious but also versatile and easy to bend to a range of tastes.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have every ingredient for brodetto di pesce to hand, there are plenty of alternatives. Instead of white wine, you can use a little vegetable stock to enrich the broth. You can also be creative with the seafood: in place of mussels, try scallops or simply add a few more fresh prawns — the same generous spirit that defines a Risotto ai Frutti di Mare. Explore the many possibilities and create your own personal version of this fantastic dish.

Drink pairing ideas

To round off the brodetto di pesce experience, light white wines or a lively Prosecco make excellent partners. These drinks not only harmonise with the dish’s flavours of the sea but also bring their own fresh aromas to the table. A fruity rosé can be a refreshing match too. For those who prefer to stay alcohol-free, sparkling water with a hint of lemon or a homemade iced tea are equally fitting companions.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation is an important part of enjoying brodetto di pesce. Serve the dish in deep, white bowls to set off the colours of the tomato broth and the fresh ingredients. A decorative garnish of fresh herbs or a wedge of lemon gives your dish the final flourish. Think too about how you arrange the bread you offer alongside, to create an inviting and appetising spread.

A bit of history

Brodetto di pesce has its origins along the Italian coast, particularly in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where it was traditionally prepared by fishermen. The dish reflects a maritime culture and the use of fresh, local ingredients. Over the years it has grown into a symbol of Italian gastronomy, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Its simple yet delicious preparation has been adapted right across the country, giving rise to countless regional interpretations within Italian cuisine — much like the Tuscan classic Zuppa di Pesce alla Livornese.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Brodetto di Pesce

Brodetto di pesce is a flavoursome dish that captures the tastes of the sea perfectly and stands as a proud representative of Italian cooking. With its variety of fresh fish and aromatic ingredients, it is both simple to prepare and a real treat. Whether served as a main course or with fresh bread and a glass of wine, this traditional dish is sure to become the highlight of your meal. Let its versatility and delicious combinations inspire you, and savour a true piece of Italian food culture.