Description
There’s something so comforting about a warm, flavorful bowl of Cioppino (Italian Seafood Stew). With its rich tomato broth, tender seafood, and hints of garlic and herbs, this stew is perfect for cozy nights or special occasions. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make with fresh or frozen seafood, making it versatile for any kitchen.
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Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup fish or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 lb white fish (such as cod or halibut), cut into chunks
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb mussels or clams, cleaned
- ½ lb scallops (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic, red bell pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Broth
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, fish broth, water, bay leaf, oregano, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Seafood
- Season the broth with salt and pepper.
- Gently add the white fish chunks and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the shrimp, mussels (or clams), and scallops. Cover the pot and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened and the shrimp is cooked through. Discard any mussels or clams that do not open.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and ladle the stew into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Use Fresh or Frozen Seafood: If fresh seafood isn’t available, high-quality frozen seafood works perfectly.
- Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Add the seafood towards the end to avoid overcooking and ensure it stays tender.
- Customize It: Feel free to mix in your favorite seafood—crab legs, squid, or even lobster tails can elevate this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian