Imagine a steaming pot of rich, aromatic broth brimming with succulent seafood, capturing the essence of San Francisco's maritime heritage in every single bite. Cioppino isn't just a dish—it's a culinary journey that transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of oceanic flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling fisherman's wharf. This Italian-American seafood stew is more than a recipe; it's a celebration of San Francisco's vibrant food culture, promising to turn your kitchen into a gourmet destination that will leave your guests craving more.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup fish stock
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound fish fillets, cut into chunks
- 1/2 pound mussels, cleaned
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, fish stock, and white wine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 10 minutes.
- Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Next, gently add the fish fillets to the pot, stirring carefully to avoid breaking them apart. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Finally, add the cleaned mussels to the pot. Cover with a lid and let them steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened up. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
- Once everything is cooked through, taste the cioppino and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the cioppino hot, garnished with chopped basil for a fresh touch. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Tips
- Choose the freshest seafood possible—the quality of your fish and shellfish will make or break this dish.
- Don't rush the sautéing of onions and garlic; developing those foundational flavors is crucial.
- Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Be gentle when adding seafood to maintain the integrity of delicate fish fillets.
- Discard any mussels that don't open during cooking to ensure food safety.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or sourdough bread to complement the rich broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
