Surf and turf for a triumph of exquisite flavours

Brodetto alla Vastese is the poor folks’ fish dish, a standard recipe prepared on board Vasto’s fishing boats. The fishermen sold the best of their catch and made themselves a chowder with the damaged fish trapped in the nets and which could not be sold.

Initially the dish was almost white, with just a few – usually fresh – tomatoes, but over time the brodetto has evolved into one of the most delicious and popular dishes served along the Chieti coast. For “brodetto alla vastese”, called “lu vrudatte” in dialect, the crucial requirements are a terracotta saucepan (“tijelle di coccio”), as well as oil from the Vasto hills and hot chilli peppers.

Traditionally the fish – several different types – must be freshly caught, between Ortona and Vasto. Skate, red mullet, baby cuttlefish, snapper and giant goby, are cooked in garlic, peppers and fresh diced tomatoes.