It's time to explore an easy recipe for homemade Italian Cioppino, featuring a delicious medley of mussels, shrimp, calamari, and cod, all simmered in a tomato and white wine broth that will make you feel like you're on the Amalfi Coast.
Recipe Video Here!
My Cioppino recipe is the perfect balance of easy and delicious. With simple yet vibrant ingredients, it's a breeze to prepare, making it accessible to all levels of home cooks. The combination of mussels, shrimp, calamari, and cod, simmered in a luscious white wine and tomato broth, results in a burst of Mediterranean flavors that's both satisfying and elegant. It's a dish that requires minimal effort but delivers a delightful, restaurant-quality experience.
Cioppino has become a beloved tradition during festive occasions, especially along the West Coast, where it's savored as a special holiday dish. The communal act of sharing a steaming pot of Cioppino among family and friends captures the essence of the American holiday season, where the joy of gathering and the pleasure of good food harmoniously converge. Cioppino's position as an Italian American holiday classic reflects not only its deliciousness but also the enduring tradition of coming together in the spirit of gratitude and celebration.
Easy Cioppino Recipe
Serves 6-8 in 45 minutes!
Ingredients:
2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 pound calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
12 oz cod, cut into large chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 red onion, large dice, divided
4 cloves garlic, crushed
6 celery tops, sliced
2 cans (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cups white wine
2 cups clam juice
2 cups broth, seafood, vegetable or chicken works
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon fennel seed
4 sprigs fresh oregano
3 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil and crusty Italian bread, for serving
Lemon wedges, for garnish
Directions:
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and basil; sautéing just until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Deglaze with White Wine: Add the white wine to deglaze and reduce, simmering 2-3 minutes to cook out the alcohol.
Add The Flavor: Pour in the clam juice, chicken or vegetable stock, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, fennel seed, and a pinch of red pepper flake, and stir, allowing the flavors to meld together. Simmer for 40 minutes.
Strain the Broth: Once the broth has simmered for 40 minutes, taste for seasoning and strain through a fine mesh strainer. Press the tomato mixture with a wooden spoon until all of the liquid comes out. It shouldn't need more salt but if you like it extra salty go for it! The clam juice adds a lot of briny flavor. You should have about 7 cups of broth, if you have less feel free to add a bit more stock.
Building the Final Foundation: Sauté onion, celery tops, and oregano for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the sliced cherry tomatoes, the tomato broth, another pinch of red pepper flake if you like it a bit spicy, and bring it back to a simmer.
Bring on the Seafood: Add the mussels, shrimp, calamari, and cod to the pot. These delicacies will soak up the rich tomato sauce and white wine. It takes 6-8 minutes for everything to cook through, too long and the seafood will overcook.
Serve with Love: Ladle your Homemade Italian Cioppino into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, and serve it with slices of toasted bread. The bread is perfect for sopping up the savory broth!
Homemade Italian Cioppino is a reminder that the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine can transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Italy. With a delightful blend of mussels, shrimp, calamari, and cod, all simmered in a white wine tomato sauce, this stew embodies the essence of coastal comfort and elegance. It's a dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean into your own home, allowing you to savor the taste of the sea without ever leaving your kitchen. Buon appetito!
I hope you love this recipe! If you do let me know! You can tag me in posts and stories or DM me on Instagram and TikTok @LizaHomesteads!
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