cacciucco

Livorno's famous fish soup, cacciucco alla livornese can be made from just about any combination of fish and shellfish, squid, etc.—but at least seven different kinds, traditionally there should be five, all with the letter C to match its name. In truth there is no single recipe; every one is different. When Napoleon was exiled on Elba, it was one of his favourite dishes.

There will always be some tomato, and little garlic toasts in it or on the side. In some versions, such as Cacciucco alla viareggina the surprise ingredient that makes the dish is ground red pepper. This recipe shows just how simple cacciucco can be.