Clam and Mussel Soup: Brodetto di Cozze e Vongole

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ease of preparation: intermediate

1/2 cup plus 1/2 cup white wine
3 pounds mussels, scrubbed, bearded and rinsed
2 pounds clams
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
3 salted anchovy fillets, rinsed and chopped
2 red bell peppers, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 carrot, cut into 1/8-inch dice
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 slices country bread
1 bunch Italian parsley, leaves chopped to yield 1/4 cup

In 2 separate pots, place 1/2 cup white wine. Add mussels to 1 pot, clams to the other, cover both pots and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to an active simmer and cook until mussels and clams have been steamed open, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Remove the shellfish from their respective pots, reserving the cooking liquid, and allow to cool. Once cool, shuck shellfish and discard shells.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large soup pot, combine the shellfish cooking liquid, vinegar, 1/4 cup oil, anchovies, peppers, onion, celery, carrot and garlic and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the shellfish and stir to heat through.

Meanwhile, toast the bread in the oven for 4 minutes, until light golden brown and crispy. Divide the soup among heated soup bowls, drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with parsley and serve with a slice of toast floating on top.