When I see something that looks delicious I have to make it, even if I’ve never tasted it. Risky, I know. This was my experience with Cioppino. I was hosting a dinner and decided to make the seafood soup dish that attracted my attention at some of my favorite restaurants.
The name Cioppino comes from ciuppin, a word in the Ligurian dialect of the port city of Genoa, Italy meaning “to chop” or “chopped”. It is considered an Italian-American dish that originated in San Francisco and is related to various fish soups and stews of Italian Cuisine. It describes the process of making a stew by chopping up various leftovers of the day’s catch.
The end result was outstanding. I fell in love instantaneously and my family and friends have raved about this dish ever since.
There are a number of reasons why this dish is perfect for entertaining.
- You can make the soup base ahead of time. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful and rich it will taste.
- When your guests arrive and just before serving you simply add in the seafood and within minutes the Cioppino is ready to serve.
- You can use a variety of your favorite seafood, whether it be shellfish (mussels, clams, oysters, crab legs) or firm fleshed fish, which I prefer (halibut, sea bass, shrimp, scallops, salmon).
- Who doesn’t love seafood?
- You get to cook with your favorite bottle of dry white wine!
- Your friends and family will give you big hugs and kisses.
- It’ easy to make.
- It’s good.
- It’s so good!
Now, for the finishing touch. Cioppino is typically served with toasted bread, either sourdough or baguette. I suggest using slices of toasted baguette for this recipe and generously spreading my Roasted Red Pepper Garlic Spread. It’s a must and it takes the dish from fantastic to WOW!
If you’ve had Cioppino before, this recipe has few spices and a rich base. Since my first taste, I have tried many versions, all of which are wonderful. This is one elegant meal that you will not forget!
Cioppino with Roasted Red Pepper Garlic Spread
Cioppino is a wonderful seafood soup to serve for any dinner occasion. The secret to a good cioppino is to use good quality ingredients and to simmer the base for several hours before serving. I serve it with slices of toasted baguette bread topped with a Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Spread.
Ingredients
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large white onion finely chopped (about 2 ½ cups)
1 large fennel bulb finely chopped (about 2 ½ cups)
4 shallots finely chopped (about ½ cup)
4 large garlic cloves finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
1 (15 oz) can tomato paste
2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes in juice
4 cups fish stock (preferably halibut stock)
1 ½ cups dry white wine (Pinot Grigio recommended)
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons salt
1 pound uncooked large shrimp peeled, deveined and cut in halves
1 pound large scallops cut into 1- inch chunks
1 pound halibut fillet cut into 1- inch chucks
1 pound Chilean sea bass filet cut into 1- inch chunks
(You can substitute the fish with any other firm-fleshed fish fillets that you prefer; you can also add shellfish such as mussels and clams. If using shellfish add them 5 minutes before you add the fish and discard any that do not open)
Roasted Red Pepper Garlic Spread - see recipe
Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron or other large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, fennel, shallots and salt and saute until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and saute another 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and saute for one minute. Add tomatoes with their juices, white wine, fish stock, and bay leaves. Cover and bring to a boil then simmer (partially covered) on medium heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Add the shrimp, halibut, and scallops and gently stir and simmer until the fish is just cooked thru about 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat and discard bay leaves. Serve immediately with toasted baguette and red pepper garlic spread. The flavor of the soup will be even better if it is simmered on low heat for up to 2 hours longer before adding the seafood. (Bring soup back to a medium simmer before adding the fish)
*Onions, fennel, shallots and garlic may be chopped one day ahead and refrigerated. All fish may be cleaned, cut and refrigerated one day ahead as well.
Serves 8
Download Recipe (PDF)
