This Cioppino offers a hearty blend of shellfish, tender fish, and vibrant vegetables swimming in a rich, flavorful tomato broth. The dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking to indulge in the best of the ocean’s offerings.
The best part? It’s an easy recipe to customize depending on the seafood you have on hand. Add your favorite shellfish, switch up the fish variety, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. Pair it with a warm, crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a truly satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups seafood stock
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 lb. clams, scrubbed
- 1/2 lb. mussels, scrubbed
- 1 lb. white fish (such as cod or halibut), cut into chunks
- 1/2 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb. squid, cut into rings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, white wine, seafood stock, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the clams and mussels to the pot, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until they start to open.
- Add the white fish, shrimp, and squid to the pot. Stir gently to combine, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque.
- Season the cioppino with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the cioppino into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cioppino: A Rich and Flavorful Seafood Stew
What is Cioppino?
Cioppino is a traditional Italian-American seafood stew that has its origins in San Francisco, particularly among fishermen who emigrated from the Liguria region of Northwestern Italy. The dish is a hearty, tomato-based soup filled with a variety of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, crab, clams, and fish, that represents the “catch of the day.” Historically, the dish was made with whatever seafood the fishermen had caught, with ingredients like canned tomatoes, vegetables, and wine readily available on their boats.
The name “Cioppino” is often thought to derive from the Italian word “ciuppin,” which means “chopped” or “to chop,” referring to the chopped ingredients that go into the dish. Alternatively, some believe it comes from “il ciuppin,” meaning “little soup.”
A Festive Dish for All Occasions
Cioppino has become a favorite in Italian-American cuisine, often served during the holiday season as part of the Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. This celebration of seafood is a long-standing Italian tradition, and Cioppino fits perfectly into the feast. The dish is perfect for special occasions, but it can also be enjoyed at any time, as it brings the flavor of the ocean into your kitchen in a comforting and flavorful way. The richness of the broth combined with the delicate textures of the seafood makes this stew both luxurious and accessible.
Why You’ll Love Cioppino
There are several reasons to fall in love with Cioppino. First, the flavors are incredibly rich and complex, thanks to the blend of fresh seafood and savory aromatics like garlic, onions, and green bell peppers. The broth is made even more flavorful by the addition of white wine, herbs like oregano, and red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. The seafood adds a briny depth, complementing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. While the recipe calls for specific types of seafood, you can easily customize it to include whatever fish or shellfish you have access to. For example, you could swap in scallops, lobster, or mussels, depending on your preferences or what’s available at the market.
Moreover, Cioppino can be made with both fresh and frozen seafood, making it an ideal dish year-round. Even if you don’t live near a coast with fresh seafood, you can still enjoy this stew by using frozen or canned options. The result will still be a hearty, satisfying dish.
Key Ingredients and How to Make the Dish Your Own
One of the standout features of Cioppino is the key ingredients that come together to create a deeply flavorful broth. Seafood stock is essential for building the base of the stew, and while making your own stock is always an option, many supermarkets offer high-quality pre-made seafood stock, making it easy for anyone to make Cioppino at home. The dish also uses onions, garlic, green bell peppers, tomatoes, and wine to create a balanced and flavorful base.
When it comes to the seafood, fresh is best, but frozen or canned options can also be used without sacrificing flavor. For example, shrimp is often purchased frozen, as it is flash-frozen right after being caught, preserving its freshness. For those who live inland, canned clams and crab meat are convenient alternatives, providing the same rich seafood taste without the need for fresh ingredients.
To make the broth even richer, some recipes call for adding the shrimp shells and clams to the stock while cooking, intensifying the seafood flavor. Once the stock is reduced and strained, it is combined with sautéed vegetables and simmered with the seafood. The seafood is added in stages, allowing each ingredient to cook properly and retain its delicate texture.
The addition of crusty bread is essential for serving, as it soaks up the flavorful broth. You can grill the bread with a bit of olive oil, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. Optional garnishes like fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the dish.
Can I Make Cioppino Ahead of Time?
Yes, one of the great things about Cioppino is that the flavors actually improve after it sits for a while. If you’re planning to serve it for a special occasion, you can make it a day or two in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The seafood will continue to absorb the flavors of the broth, making the dish even more delicious.
How to Store and Reheat Cioppino
Leftovers of Cioppino can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, be sure to do so gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the seafood. If you have a microwave, it can also be used, but be cautious not to overheat the stew.
Cioppino can also be frozen, though keep in mind that freezing may alter the texture of the seafood slightly. To freeze, place the stew in an airtight container and store it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Cioppino is traditionally served with a side of crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. You could also serve the stew with a light salad or a plate of roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
As for wine pairings, a crisp, refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully with Cioppino. The acidity in the wine helps cut through the richness of the broth and complements the seafood.
Conclusion
Cioppino is a truly special dish that brings the flavors of the ocean to your table in a comforting, hearty stew. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion like the Feast of Seven Fishes or simply craving a bowl of delicious seafood, this recipe is sure to impress. With its versatility, depth of flavor, and ability to be made ahead of time, Cioppino is a dish that can be enjoyed year-round, making it a go-to recipe for seafood lovers. So, the next time you want to create a memorable meal, give Cioppino a try—you won’t be disappointed!