Cioppino

Cioppino

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Cioppino is a rich and hearty seafood stew that originated in San Francisco. This Italian-American dish is packed with fresh seafood, simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth infused with garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners, this one-pot meal is both comforting and impressive.

Cioppino

Why You’ll Love This Cioppino Recipe

  • Bursting with Flavor: A combination of fresh seafood, tomatoes, and herbs creates an incredibly rich taste.

  • Easy to Customize: Use your favorite seafood or whatever is fresh and available.

  • Perfect for Gatherings: Serve with crusty bread and a glass of wine for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients List

To make the best homemade cioppino, you’ll need:

For the Broth:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 cup white wine

  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

  • 3 cups seafood or fish stock

  • 1/2 cup clam juice

For the Seafood:

  • 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1/2 pound scallops

  • 1/2 pound white fish (such as cod or halibut), cut into chunks

  • 1/2 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded

  • 1/2 pound clams, cleaned

  • 1/2 pound crab meat (optional)

For Serving:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Lemon wedges

  • Crusty bread

Timing

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes

  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the dried oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off. Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes, seafood stock, and clam juice. Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add the Seafood

Start by adding the clams and mussels to the broth. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to open. Then, gently add the white fish, shrimp, scallops, and crab meat (if using). Cover and let the stew simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, and the fish is cooked through. Discard any clams or mussels that did not open.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the cioppino into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy this delicious seafood feast.

Cioppino

Tips for the Best Cioppino

Choosing Fresh Seafood

Always use the freshest seafood available for the best taste. If fresh options aren’t available, frozen seafood works well—just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Substitutions and Variations

  • No white wine? Substitute with seafood stock or vegetable broth.

  • Prefer a spicier kick? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

  • Love a creamier broth? Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover cioppino can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood. Freezing is not recommended, as the seafood texture may change.

What to Serve with Cioppino

Bread and Sides

  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

  • Garlic Bread: Adds an extra layer of garlicky goodness.

  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.

Wine Pairing

A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors of cioppino beautifully.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320

  • Protein: 35g

  • Fat: 10g

  • Carbohydrates: 18g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sodium: 780mg

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the Seafood: Seafood cooks quickly, so add it at the end to prevent a rubbery texture.

  • Not Cleaning the Shellfish Properly: Make sure mussels and clams are well-cleaned to avoid a gritty texture.

  • Skipping the Wine: The acidity in wine enhances the broth’s depth of flavor, so don’t leave it out unless absolutely necessary.

Conclusion

Cioppino is a soul-warming seafood stew that brings together the best flavors of the ocean. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy a bowl of this delicious, restaurant-quality seafood feast right in your own kitchen.