Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and omega-3s.
- One-Pot Simplicity: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Customizable Seafood Options: Use your favorite mix of fish and shellfish.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your guests with this easy, elegant dish.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cutting board and knife
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Easy Cioppino (Seafood Stew)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Cioppino is a rustic and flavorful Italian-American seafood stew that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting dinner at home. This one-pot wonder is packed with tender fish, shellfish, and a rich, herby tomato broth. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all that goodness!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 lb firm white fish (e.g., cod, halibut), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb scallops
- 1/2 lb mussels or clams, scrubbed and cleaned
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Build the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, seafood stock, water, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 3: Add the Seafood
5. Add the fish and scallops to the pot. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
6. Add the shrimp, mussels, and clams. Cover the pot and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels and clams open (discard any that don’t open).
Step 4: Finish the Dish
7. Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
8. Ladle the cioppino into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- Fresh Seafood is Key: Use the freshest seafood available for the best flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and clean your seafood ahead of time for a seamless cooking process.
- Customize Your Seafood: Add calamari, crab legs, or your favorite shellfish to make it your own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make cioppino ahead of time?
A: The broth can be made a day ahead, but add the seafood just before serving to keep it tender and fresh.
Q2: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: It’s best to enjoy cioppino fresh, as reheating can overcook the seafood. However, the broth alone freezes well for up to 3 months.
Q3: What can I use instead of seafood stock?
A: Chicken broth works as a substitute, though seafood stock provides the best depth of flavor.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort
This Easy Cioppino (Seafood Stew) brings the flavors of the sea to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Did you make this recipe? Tag us with your photos and let us know how it turned out!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 320
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Cozy up with this flavorful seafood stew, and don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!