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If you’re a seafood lover, Cioppino is a must-try dish! This flavorful seafood stew originated in San Francisco, created by Italian immigrant fishermen who brought their coastal culinary traditions with them. It’s a rich, tomato-based dish packed with a variety of seafood, simmered in a fragrant broth infused with herbs and spices.
Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or simply craving something new, Cioppino offers a delicious, comforting experience that transports you straight to the fishing docks of San Francisco.
Ingredients
Seafood:
- ½ lb (250g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb (250g) mussels
- ½ lb (250g) clams
- 1 lb (500g) white fish (such as sea bass or cod), cut into medium chunks
- ½ lb (250g) squid, sliced into rings (optional)
Broth:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups seafood broth or water
- 1 cup dry white wine (or substitute with white grape juice + a splash of vinegar)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the celery and bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Make the Broth
- Stir in the tomato paste and mix well.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), seafood broth, white wine, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes to develop the flavors.
3. Add the Seafood
- Add the white fish first, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Then, add shrimp, mussels, and clams, cover the pot, and cook until the shells open (about 5 more minutes).
- Finally, stir in the squid and lemon juice, cooking for just 1 minute to avoid overcooking.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve the Cioppino hot with toasted sourdough bread or any crusty bread.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 350-450 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
This stew is packed with protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, making it both nutritious and delicious.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Cioppino
✅ Use fresh seafood: The flavor depends heavily on the freshness of the ingredients, so opt for high-quality seafood whenever possible.
✅ Experiment with spices: Add a touch of cumin or dill to give the broth a unique twist.
✅ Don’t overcook the seafood: Cook each type of seafood just long enough to keep it tender and flavorful.
✅ Customize with available seafood: Swap clams for crab, or add scallops for an extra indulgent touch.
✅ Pair with white wine or lemon juice: These enhance the flavors and add a refreshing balance to the dish.
FAQs
1. Can Cioppino be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the broth in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat and add the seafood fresh before serving.
2. Can Cioppino be frozen?
It’s best not to freeze seafood, but you can freeze the broth for up to 3 months. Add fresh seafood when reheating for the best taste.
3. What’s the best bread to serve with Cioppino?
It’s traditionally served with sourdough bread, but any crusty bread works well for soaking up the delicious broth.
4. Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, you can use extra broth or a mix of white grape juice + a splash of vinegar for a similar acidity.
5. Can I add pasta to Cioppino?
While it’s usually served without pasta, you can enjoy it over spaghetti or fettuccine for a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
Cioppino is more than just a seafood stew—it’s a rich, flavorful experience that blends Italian and American coastal traditions in one bowl. Try this recipe, share it with family and friends, and indulge in the delicious taste of the ocean!
🍲 Have you tried Cioppino before? Let us know your experience! 🦐🌊
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Cioppino: The Ultimate Italian-American Seafood Stew
- Total Time: PT1H
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bring the taste of the coast home! This easy cioppino recipe is packed with fresh seafood and a savory tomato broth. Perfect for any seafood lover.
Ingredients
Seafood:
- ½ lb (250g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb (250g) mussels
- ½ lb (250g) clams
- 1 lb (500g) white fish (such as sea bass or cod), cut into medium chunks
- ½ lb (250g) squid, sliced into rings (optional)
Broth:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups seafood broth or water
- 1 cup dry white wine (or substitute with white grape juice + a splash of vinegar)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic, sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the celery and bell pepper, cooking for 5 more minutes until softened.
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Make the Broth
- Stir in the tomato paste and mix well.
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice), seafood broth, white wine, and sugar.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes to develop the flavors.
3. Cook the Seafood
- Add the white fish first and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp, mussels, and clams, cover, and cook until the shells open (about 5 more minutes).
- Stir in squid and lemon juice, cooking for just 1 minute to avoid overcooking.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with toasted sourdough bread or any crusty bread.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT45M
- Category: Seafood Dish
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: seafood stew, San Francisco, Italian-American, dinner, fish soup, comfort food, winter recipes, one-pot meal