Dive into a culinary journey with the “Soup of the Seven Seas,” a dish as intriguing as its name. This hearty seafood soup, reminiscent of cioppino but distinct in its delicate sofrito base, promises a taste of oceanic bounty in every spoonful. Originating from a beloved eatery in Omaha, this recipe, shared by lorigoldsby on Food52, has a charming backstory and a flavor profile that’s worth exploring. Whether the name alludes to seven types of seafood or the mythical “seven seas,” this soup invites you to customize it with your favorite catches from the ocean’s depths.
The allure of the “Soup of the Seven Seas” lies in its rich, aromatic broth, a testament to the power of a well-made sofrito. Before mastering this foundational technique, the creator found replicating the Omaha version elusive, highlighting the sofrito’s crucial role in differentiating this soup from similar seafood stews. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; you can tailor the seafood selection to your preference, making each bowl a unique adventure. Imagine succulent tentacles and snow crab legs dramatically rising from the flavorful depths – a visual and culinary delight!
But what exactly are the seven seas that lend their name to this captivating soup? Historically, the “Seven Seas” was not a fixed list but rather a fluid concept that evolved with maritime exploration and geographical understanding. For the ancient Greeks and Romans, the “seven seas” referred to the waters known to them:
- The Mediterranean Sea: The heart of ancient civilizations, crucial for trade and cultural exchange.
- The Red Sea: An important passage connecting the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean.
- The Erythraean Sea: Often used interchangeably with the Red Sea or to encompass the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean.
- The Persian Gulf: A vital waterway for trade and resources.
- The Black Sea: Known for its challenging navigation and unique ecosystem.
- The Caspian Sea: The world’s largest inland body of water, considered a sea due to its salinity and size.
- The Atlantic Ocean: As exploration expanded westward, the Atlantic became part of the known “seven seas.”
Over time, particularly with European expansion during the Age of Exploration, the “seven seas” concept broadened to represent the major oceans of the world. A more modern interpretation of the seven seas includes:
- The Arctic Ocean: The smallest and shallowest ocean, located in the northernmost part of the globe.
- The North Atlantic Ocean: A major shipping route and home to diverse marine life.
- The South Atlantic Ocean: Extending to Antarctica, known for its strong currents and unique ecosystems.
- The North Pacific Ocean: The largest and deepest ocean, bordering Asia and North America.
- The South Pacific Ocean: Spanning from the equator to Antarctica, dotted with islands and coral reefs.
- The Indian Ocean: Warm waters rich in biodiversity, bordered by Africa, Asia, and Australia.
- The Southern Ocean: Also known as the Antarctic Ocean, encircling Antarctica and characterized by cold temperatures and icebergs.
While the soup’s name might be a poetic nod to the vastness and mystery of these historical or modern “seven seas,” its true essence lies in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures within the bowl. Just as the seven seas encompass a world of aquatic wonders, this soup invites you to explore a variety of seafood sensations.
To create this culinary masterpiece, the broth is paramount. Emiko, from the Test Kitchen notes, emphasizes the importance of using prawn shells (and heads!) to build a deeply flavorful base. Roasting garlic and sautéing it with chili and cumin enhances the sofrito, adding layers of warmth and spice. Saffron, added at the end, lends a touch of luxury and aroma. For those seeking a quicker preparation, frozen and defrosted calamari and tentacles offer a tender shortcut, eliminating the need for lengthy simmering.
Here’s how you can embark on your own “Soup of the Seven Seas” adventure:
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs prawns, shells and heads reserved, peeled and deveined
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, skins on
- 1 red chili, deseeded and chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups fish stock (or seafood broth)
- 1 lb calamari, tubes and tentacles, defrosted if frozen
- 1 lb snow crab legs
- Crusty bread, for serving
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add prawn shells and heads and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove shells and set aside.
- Soffrito Foundation: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized, creating the sofrito base.
- Aromatic Infusion: In a dry skillet, roast garlic cloves (skins on) until softened and fragrant. Squeeze out the pulp. Add garlic pulp, chopped chili, and cumin to the sofrito. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Build the Soup: Stir in crushed tomatoes and fish stock. Add the reserved prawn shells back to the pot to further enrich the broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, for a deeper flavor. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding solids. Return broth to the pot.
- Seafood Integration: Add calamari and snow crab legs to the simmering broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until seafood is cooked through and tender. Stir in saffron threads during the last minute of cooking.
- Final Touches: Add peeled and deveined prawns to the soup and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the “Soup of the Seven Seas” into bowls, ensuring each serving includes a generous mix of broth and seafood. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping and savoring every last drop.
Whether you are a seasoned seafood enthusiast or a curious home cook, the “Soup of the Seven Seas” offers a delightful culinary experience. Its rich history, adaptable nature, and deeply flavorful broth make it a standout dish. Gather your favorite seafood, prepare the aromatic sofrito, and embark on a flavorful voyage across the “seven seas” from the comfort of your kitchen.
