Why Make This Recipe
Cioppino is a classic Italian fish stew that brings the flavors of the sea to your bowl. It’s a dish full of fresh seafood and vibrant flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Making this stew at home allows you to customize it with your favorite fish and seafood, ensuring every bowl is unique and delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends with a taste of coastal Italy!
How to Make Cioppino
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup fish broth or clam juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound white fish fillets, cut into chunks
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound mussels, cleaned
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, fish broth, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the fish, shrimp, and mussels to the pot. Cover and cook until the mussels open and the fish is cooked through, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread.
How to Serve Cioppino
Serve your Cioppino hot in deep bowls. Make sure to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color. Pair it with some crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth. This stew is perfect for sharing, so set a big pot in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves!
How to Store Cioppino
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened. It’s best to eat it fresh, but the flavors will continue to develop overnight!
Tips to Make Cioppino
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor. Visit your local fish market for the freshest options.
- Feel free to add other seafood like clams, crab, or squid to suit your taste.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, let the stew simmer a bit longer before adding the seafood.
Variation
You can create a variation of Cioppino by adding white wine to the broth. Just pour in half a cup after you sauté the vegetables and let it reduce slightly before adding the crushed tomatoes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood, but be sure to thaw it before cooking for the best results.
2. What can I serve with Cioppino?
Crusty bread is a classic pairing, but you could also serve it over pasta or with a side salad.
3. How spicy is Cioppino?
The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to find your preferred heat.
Cioppino
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A classic Italian fish stew featuring a medley of fresh seafood and vibrant flavors, perfect for impressing family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup fish broth or clam juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound white fish fillets, cut into chunks
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound mussels, cleaned
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, fish broth, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the fish, shrimp, and mussels to the pot. Cover and cook until the mussels open and the fish is cooked through, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread.
Notes
For a richer flavor, let the stew simmer a bit longer before adding the seafood. Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and consider adding clams, crab, or squid if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian