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    Home » Main Dishes » Poached Italian Fish Recipe: Acqua Pazza

    Poached Italian Fish Recipe: Acqua Pazza

    September 30, 2022 Maria 14 Comments

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    An overhead photo of poached codfish in an herb tomato broth.

    This Italian fish recipe is simply poached fish in a flavorsome broth. The secret to creating a tasty acqua pazza dish is to cook the cod in a lightly seasoned broth that includes cherry tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and white wine. 

    For a truly authentic Italian fish dish, be sure to use the freshest ingredients.

    Poached Italian cod fish in a white dish.
    Jump to:
    • Introduction
    • What is Acqua Pazza?
    • How to make this Italian fish recipe
    • How to serve this Italian dish
    • Tips
    • FAQ
    • What to serve with acqua pazza?
    • Campania Food
    • Recipe origins
    • Recipe

    Introduction

    Italian fish recipes are some of the healthiest and most delicious dishes you can make.

    They also have one more thing in common, whether it’s this family recipe for cod in tomato sauce or this baked cod fish recipe; they are simple fish recipes with so much flavor!

    Acqua pazza is another great recipe for tasty, easy, and healthy Italian fish recipes.

    What is Acqua Pazza?

    “Acqua pazza” means crazy water in Italian.  By putting the word “pesce,” which is Italian for fish, in front of it, “pesce all’acqua pazza” becomes fish in crazy water.

    It is a Neapolitan dish that features fresh white fish poached in a flavorful broth. The broth usually contains cherry tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and white wine. In this recipe, we will also use shallots, capers, and a bay leaf for extra flavor.

    This typical dish of the Campania region in southern Italy is traditionally made with whole fish, which adds more flavor to the broth. However, cod fillets provide a more approachable and quicker option for a weeknight meal.

    Cod is a fish that can take on the tastes of whatever it is cooked in, and in this dish, the cod fillets will absorb all the flavors of the acqua pazza.

    It is also a very affordable fish, which makes it perfect for this budget-friendly recipe.

    How to make this Italian fish recipe

    Making acqua pazza is a two-step process. First, you will need to make the broth by cooking the aromatics in a pot of wine and water. Second, you will use that same broth to poach the cod.

    A photo collage of vegetables for the cod fish recipe before and after they are chopped.

    Making the broth

    Let’s begin by prepping our ingredients.

    Start by thinly slicing 2-3 garlic cloves and finely chopping 1 shallot.

    You also need to halve 8 ounces of cherry tomatoes. That’s approximately 2 cups in total. Cut them in quarters if they are large.

    We also need about 3-4 tablespoons of fresh chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley. Do not discard the stems as we will use these.

    A photo collage on how to make the both for acqua pazza.

    Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil followed by the sliced garlic and ¼ teaspoon chili flakes. Saute for 1-2 minutes and constantly stir until the garlic is fragrant and just begins to sizzle. Do not brown the garlic.

    Next, add the minced shallot and saute for another 2-3 minutes or until it softens. Once again, stirring constantly.

    Add the halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of capers, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tomatoes begin to soften. Season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.

    Now, it’s time to deglaze the pan with ½ cup of white wine, followed by 1 cup of water. Add the parsley stems and 2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh parsley. We will use the remaining parsley to garnish our dish later.

    Bring the mixture to a boil and then lower it to a simmer.

    A photo collage on poaching the cod fish.

    Poaching the fresh cod

    Now that we have our flavorful broth, it’s time to add the cod. Season both sides of 4 cod fillets (1½ pounds in total) with the remainder ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional).

    Carefully place the cod fillets into the broth. If using fish with skin, place the skin side down. Spoon some broth and tomatoes over each fillet to ensure they are fully submerged.

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is opaque and you can flake it apart with a fork.

    The final internal temperature of the fish should reach at least 145° F (63° C). [source]

    An overhead photo of poached codfish in an herb tomato broth.

    How to serve this Italian dish

    Once the cod is cooked, carefully remove it from the broth and place it in shallow soup bowls.

    You can reduce the broth for a minute or two to concentrate the flavors. Remove the bay leaf and the parsley stems. Taste the broth to adjust for seasoning.

    Ladle the broth over the cod fillets and garnish with the remaining chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil (optional). 

    Serve immediately with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.

    A close up photo of the cod in the flavorful herb broth.

    Tips

    • Use the best quality and fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
    • Don’t overcook the fish – it should be flaky but not falling apart.
    • Taste and season the broth well for maximum flavor after the cod is cooked. 
    • The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fish fillets. 

    FAQ

    Can I use any other type of fish?

    You can substitute just about any firm white fish for the cod in this dish, such as halibut, bass, or perch. Avoid using thin fish fillets, like sole as they will cook too quickly and may fall apart in the broth.

    What if I don’t have white wine?

    You can substitute the white wine with vegetable or chicken broth or water.

    Can I make this ahead of time?

    This dish is best served fresh. However, the broth can be made and stored in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat the broth before adding the fish and continuing with the recipe. 

    How can I tell the fish is cooked if I don’t have a thermometer?

    You can test if the cod is done by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily, it is ready. Another way to tell if it’s done is by looking at its appearance; it should be opaque all the way through.

    How should I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    What to serve with acqua pazza?

    The soft texture and open crumb of focaccia bread is visible.

    Italian Focaccia Recipe

    This dish is traditionally served with a slice of crusty bread. You can also serve it with a simple green salad and focaccia bread.

    GET THE FOCACCIA RECIPE

    Campania Food

    With its rich and unique flavors, it is no surprise that this Italian region has some delicious dishes and desserts worth mentioning. Here are a few more delicious regional dishes and sweets of Campania that you may like to try:

    Pizza Margherita: the classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil

    Parmigiana Melanzane, or Eggplant Parmesan: baked eggplant slices with tomato sauce and mozzarella

    Caprese salad: a fresh salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil

    Gnocchi alla sorrentina: potato gnocchi with mozzarella and tomatoes

    Struffoli: fried balls of dough, often served with honey

    Chiacchiere: fried pastry cookies, often served during Carnival

    Pastiera: a ricotta and wheat pastry, often served during Easter

    Roccocò: an almond spiced cookie often served during Christmas

    Mostaccioli: rhomboid-shaped chocolate-coated Christmas cookie

    Poached Italian cod fish in a white dish.

    Recipe origins

    My mom was born in Benevento, in the Italian region of Campania. It is a small town in Southern Italy, close to Naples.

    This poached fish dish was always on the Friday fish rotation along with the cod served with tomatoes and fried smelts.

    Over the years, I have made minor changes to my mom’s recipe by adding shallots and capers and using more than just a pinch of pepper flakes for a little heat. I also prefer the ease of using cod fillets instead of whole fish.

    It is a simple recipe that is light and healthy yet tasty. The key to this dish is to use the freshest ingredients possible.

    This dish can be on your table in 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. It can also be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.

    I hope you enjoy this recipe and please feel free to share any feedback or questions in the comments below. Buon appetito!

    WELCOME! Sign up for my FREE NEWSLETTER for more delicious recipes, tips and updates!

    THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

    Ciao for now,

    Maria 

    ★★★★★ If you have made this Southern Italian poached fish recipe, I would love to hear about them in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

    Recipe

    An overhead photo of poached codfish in an herb tomato broth.

    Poached Italian Fish Recipe: Acqua Pazza

    This Italian fish recipe is simply poached fish in a flavorsome broth. Ingredients for acqua pazza include cod, tomatoes, garlic, parsley and wine.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Save RecipeSaved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings (6 ounce each)
    Calories: 245kcal
    Author: Maria Vannelli RD
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
    • 2-3 garlic cloves finely sliced
    • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional
    • 1 shallot minced
    • 8 ounces cherry tomatoes 2 cups, yellow and red, halved or quartered if large
    • 1 tablespoon capers
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt separated
    • ½ cup white wine
    • 1 cup water
    • 4 tablespoons Italian flat leaf parsley fresh, chopped, separated
    • parsley stems
    • 1½ pounds cod fillets or firm white fish approximately 680 grams, skinless, ¾-1 inch thick
    • pepper according to taste

    Instructions

    To make the broth:

    • Add the olive oil to a 12-inch heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
    • Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes. Saute for 1-2 minutes and constantly stir until the garlic is fragrant and just begins to sizzle. Do not brown the garlic.
    • Next, add the minced shallot and saute for another 2-3 minutes or until it softens. Once again, stirring constantly.
    • Add the halved cherry tomatoes, capers, and bay leaf. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tomatoes begin to soften.
    • Season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.
    • Now, it’s time to deglaze the pan with the white wine, followed the water. Add the parsley stems and 2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh parsley. We will use the remaining parsley to garnish our dish later.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil and then lower it to a simmer.

    To poach the cod fish:

    • Season both sides of 4 cod fillets (1½ pounds in total) with the remainder ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional).
    • Carefully place the cod fillets into the broth. Spoon some broth and tomatoes over each fillet to ensure they are fully submerged.
    • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is opaque, and you can flake it apart with a fork.
    • Once the cod is cooked, carefully remove it from the broth and place it in shallow soup bowls.
    • You can reduce the broth for a minute or two to concentrate the flavors. Remove the bay leaf and the parsley stems. Taste the broth to adjust for seasoning.
    • Ladle the broth over the cod fillets and garnish with the remaining chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil (optional). 
    • Serve immediately with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
    Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon’t miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

    Video

    Notes

    • Use the best quality and fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
    • Don’t overcook the fish – it should be flaky but not falling apart.
    • Taste and season the broth well for maximum flavor after the cod is cooked. 
    • The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fish fillets. 
    Can I use another kind of fish? You can substitute just about any firm white fish for the cod in this dish, such as halibut, bass, or perch. Avoid using thin fish fillets, like sole as they will cook too quickly and may fall apart in the broth.
    How can you tell that the cod is cooked? The fish should be opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. As a general rule, allow 10 minutes of cooking time per inch (2.5cm) of the fish thickness.  The final internal temperature of the fish should reach at least 145 °F (63 ° C). [source]
    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 745mg | Potassium: 900mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 724IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg
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    Filed Under: Main Dishes

    About Maria

    Maria Vannelli is a registered dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Judy Blachek

      October 28, 2022 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      This is easy, healthy, and delicious!

      Reply
      • Maria

        October 28, 2022 at 9:01 pm

        Thanks so much Judy!

        Reply
    2. Manon

      October 10, 2022 at 10:53 am

      5 stars
      I love this recipe and I will do it again and again.
      Thank you for sharing with us.

      Reply
      • Maria

        October 15, 2022 at 7:20 am

        My pleasure Manon! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

        Reply
    3. ed eckard

      October 06, 2022 at 8:10 pm

      5 stars
      Made to recipeit was wonderful!

      Reply
      • Maria

        October 06, 2022 at 8:31 pm

        How wonderful Ed! Thanks so much for sharing!

        Reply
    4. Tina Boydston

      October 04, 2022 at 7:20 pm

      5 stars
      Maria, I saw this recipe and couldn’t resist making it. Having just come back from Italy I’m really inspired again by the fresh ingredients that Italians use for their everyday meals. You represent Italian cooking molto bene! this recipe was amazing. I added a little graded cheese on top and it was amazing. My husband is still raving about it. I can’t wait to make this for my Dad. He’s 96 years old and originally from Sicily. He’ll love it. Thanks so much. Tina

      Reply
      • Maria

        October 04, 2022 at 7:22 pm

        God bless your dad ♥
        I am so thrilled to read this Tina! Thanks so much for sharing.

        Reply
    5. Carmela Nardelli

      September 30, 2022 at 9:47 pm

      Hi Maria!
      Do you have a cookbook out. If so where can I purchase it?

      Reply
      • Maria

        October 07, 2022 at 10:13 pm

        Thanks so much for your support Carmela ♥ I’m wetting my feet with e-books. Thanks again.

        Reply
    6. Donna

      September 30, 2022 at 10:31 am

      5 stars
      Your recipes are so amazing and delicious. So many to try out still. It reminds me of childhood. Filled with love and joy.

      Reply
      • Maria

        September 30, 2022 at 10:39 am

        Thanks so much for your kind words Donna ♥

        Reply
    7. Leon Field

      September 30, 2022 at 9:47 am

      Oh my I am so looking forward to making this dish as it is almost like the one I have made. Love this site and looking for more good Italian food options..

      Reply
      • Maria

        September 30, 2022 at 10:38 am

        Thanks so much for your support Leon!

        Reply

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