National Dish San Marino: Zuppa di Pesce (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Zuppa di Pesce, a fragrant fish soup that brings the flavours of the Mediterranean straight to your table! Freshly caught seafood mingles with ripe tomatoes and a handful of aromatic spices to create a bowl that feels both rustic and refined. A favourite in San Marino’s kitchens, this hearty fish soup is perfect for a special occasion or simply a cosy evening in — and it welcomes cooks of every level.
About Zuppa di Pesce
Zuppa di Pesce is a true jewel of Italian cooking, especially cherished in the coastal traditions that shape San Marino’s food. This hearty fish soup brings together freshly caught seafood with a range of aromatic spices, giving the dish a deep, intense flavour. The broth captures the essence of the Mediterranean and carries the authentic taste of the region into your own kitchen. Ideal for special occasions or as a comforting supper, Zuppa di Pesce delights beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200g fresh prawns
- 200g squid, cut into rings
- 150g fish fillet (e.g. sustainable pollock)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 500ml fish stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To prepare an authentic Zuppa di Pesce, it is worth seeking out the best ingredients you can find. Visit your local fishmonger or fish market to pick up the freshest seafood of the day. Look for sustainable fish to keep your ecological footprint low and help protect the sea’s resources. Vegetables such as the onions and garlic should be fresh and fragrant too, since they form the aromatic base of the soup. A good octopus salad like Insalata di Polpo starts the very same way.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Zuppa di Pesce is straightforward and does not take long. Begin by washing and prepping all the ingredients. Cut the fish fillet into bite-sized pieces and clean the prawns if this has not already been done. Try to have everything ready at the same time so the seafood can go into the broth together, which helps you achieve an even, perfectly judged cooking time.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot and gently sweat the finely chopped onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the squid and sauté briefly, then stir in the chopped tomatoes and the fish stock.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, bring everything to the boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the prawns and fish pieces and simmer for a further 5–7 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through.
- Season with salt, pepper and fresh parsley, then serve piping hot.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Zuppa di Pesce is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it a perfect choice for anyone with intolerances. Just be sure the ingredients you use — the fish stock in particular — are also gluten-free, so the whole dish meets your requirements. A useful tip is to choose tinned tomatoes without additives, guaranteeing the purity of the soup. That way you can enjoy your Zuppa with complete peace of mind.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians there are plenty of ways to create a flavour-packed version of Zuppa di Pesce. In place of seafood, use a variety of vegetables such as courgette, carrot or cauliflower, letting them simmer in the broth to enrich the dish. You can also add plant-based protein sources like tofu or seitan to improve the texture. With the same spices and a good vegetable stock in place of the fish stock, you can still achieve an intense and delicious aroma.
More tips and tricks
A few small touches can noticeably improve your Zuppa di Pesce. Use fresh herbs to intensify the aroma of the soup; fresh parsley, basil or dill all lift the flavour beautifully. A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving adds a refreshing note. Serving the soup in pre-warmed bowls is another worthwhile step, keeping it hot for longer and heightening the pleasure of every spoonful.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Zuppa di Pesce is easy to adapt to your own preferences. You could vary the choice of seafood depending on what is freshest or what you enjoy most — just take care to use varieties with similar cooking times so everything finishes together. You can also experiment with different spices, such as a pinch of chilli for extra heat or fennel seeds for an intriguing aroma. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside crusty Piadina Romagnola.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find every ingredient for Zuppa di Pesce, there are some worthwhile alternatives. Instead of prawns you might use mussels or clams, which add a sweet, briny note. For the fish, tuna or mackerel work well and give a different flavour profile. Even the spices leave room to play: swap the paprika for a little curry powder to lend the soup an exotic touch. Sustainable stockfish, as used in Stoccafisso in Umido, makes another fine choice.
Drink pairing ideas
When it comes to matching a drink to Zuppa di Pesce, crisp white wines such as a fresh Sauvignon Blanc or a lively Pinot Grigio are excellent choices. These wines harmonise perfectly with the flavours of the seafood and tomato broth. For those who prefer an alcohol-free option, a well-chilled sparkling mineral water or a homemade citrus iced tea complements the intensity of the soup with its freshness. Any of these will round off the whole dining experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
A well-presented dish always makes a better impression. For Zuppa di Pesce, serve the soup in deep white bowls that set off the vivid colours of the prawns and tomatoes. A few fresh herb leaves or a wedge of lemon make a lovely garnish to finish the plate. Think about the setting too: a beautifully laid table with candlelight creates the cosy atmosphere of an Italian evening for your guests.
A bit of history
Zuppa di Pesce has a long history in Italian gastronomy, shaped strongly by the coastal traditions of the region. Seafood and fresh fish have always played a central role in Mediterranean cooking, and turning them into a soup is a beloved way to combine their many flavours. In San Marino the Zuppa is not simply a dish but part of celebrations and family recipes passed down from one generation to the next. In this way the food unites not only taste but tradition and community — a hallmark of San Marino cuisine. It shares this heritage with the local fish stew Brodetto.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Zuppa di Pesce
In short, Zuppa di Pesce is not only a delicious dish but also a deeply traditional one within Italian and Sammarinese cooking. The combination of fresh fish and aromatic spices makes it a special experience for every food lover. With a few adjustments and the right drinks to accompany it, this recipe adapts easily to personal taste. Let the Mediterranean atmosphere sweep you along, and savour the art of Italian cooking as you prepare this remarkable soup.
