Simple Cioppino

Homemade Italian Seafood Cioppino

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes with juice
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1½ cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 bottle (8 oz) clam juice
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lb littleneck clams, rinsed
  • 1 lb mussels, scrubbed and rinsed
  • 1 lb firm, skinless fish fillets (like cod or halibut), cut into bite-sized pieces

Instructions:

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.

  2. Build the Broth: Add the crushed tomatoes with juice, white wine, stock, and clam juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.

  3. Add Shellfish: Add the clams and mussels to the pot, cover, and simmer until the shells open, about 5-7 minutes. Season the fish with salt and pepper.

  4. Finish with Fish and Shrimp: Add the fish and shrimp to the stockpot, cover, and cook until the fish is opaque and shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and any unopened clams or mussels.

  5. Garnish and Serve: Stir in fresh parsley, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.