Best-Ever Cioppino

Name: Best-Ever Cioppino
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil: To sauté the vegetables and start building the flavor base.; 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.; 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a bold flavor that’s essential for any Italian stew.; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of spice to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.; 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that complements the tomato-based broth.; 1 teaspoon dried basil: For a fragrant, savory flavor that brings the broth together.; 1 bay leaf: Adds an aromatic touch to the stew.; 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the broth, providing a rich, tangy flavor.; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Adds texture and further depth to the tomato base.; 2 cups seafood stock or water: The liquid foundation of the stew, helping to create a flavorful broth.; 1 tablespoon lemon juice: For a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the broth.; Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.; 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock): Choose firm fish that will hold up well in the stew.; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds sweetness and texture to the stew.; 1 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded: Mussels bring a lovely brininess and are a key ingredient in Cioppino.; 1 pound clams, scrubbed: Clams add a delightful chewy texture and absorb the flavors of the broth.; 1/2 pound squid, cut into rings (optional): Adds a tender texture and an additional layer of flavor.; Fresh parsley for garnish: To add a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.; Lemon wedges for serving: For an extra burst of citrus to brighten up the dish.

fromiheartcooks.com iheartcooks.com/best-ever-cioppino

1 hr 30 min

cook 1 hr

Ingredients

Instructions

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE BROTH

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the pot, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, and bay leaf, allowing the spices to bloom in the oil and release their flavors.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the tomatoes cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the seafood stock (or water) to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to develop and the broth to thicken.
Taste the broth and add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to balance the flavors. The lemon juice will brighten up the richness of the tomatoes and seafood, creating a well-rounded broth.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE SEAFOOD

Start by adding the firm white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock) to the simmering broth. These fillets will take the longest to cook, so let them simmer in the broth for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to flake apart with a fork.
Next, add the shrimp and mussels to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the mussels have opened up. Discard any mussels or clams that do not open.
If you’re using clams and squid, add them to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The clams should open up, and the squid should become tender.

THIRD STEP: FINAL TOUCHES

Once all the seafood is cooked through, gently stir the stew to mix the seafood and broth together. Taste again and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Ladle the Cioppino into large bowls, ensuring each serving has a variety of seafood. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, so everyone can squeeze a little extra citrus over their portion for added brightness.
Cioppino is best enjoyed with some crusty bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up the flavorful broth. Serve the bread alongside or lightly toasted and rubbed with garlic for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 350 calories
Fat Content: 10g
Carbohydrate Content: 30g
Protein Content: 40g