At Maria’s Italian Restaurant in Burlington, NC, co-owner Tony Pellerito satisfies his regulars with traditional Sicilian favorites. When Tony smells the aroma of fresh seafood simmering in his father Andrea’s version of this versatile soup, it rekindles memories of holidays and growing up in his family’s restaurant!
Serves 4.
1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil |
1 medium red onion, chopped fine |
1 celery rib, chopped fine |
5 garlic cloves (4 thinly sliced and 1 whole) |
12 fresh baby clams, cleaned and scrubbed |
8 large whole mussels, cleaned and scrubbed |
8 large calamari, cleaned with tentacles left whole, bodies cut into 1⁄2-inch rings |
8 ounces of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined |
4 fresh Alaskan king crab legs, cut in half crosswise |
1 cup dry white wine |
2 cups of homemade chicken stock |
2 cups marinara sauce |
1 cup crushed tomatoes |
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes |
1–2 tablespoons of Parmigiano Reggiano |
Chopped Italian parsley for garnish/serving |