Chioppino
Chioppino is a hearty Italian seafood stew bursting with rich tomato and herbal flavors. Combining fresh shellfish, fish, and aromatic spices, it offers a comforting yet sophisticated dish perfect for seafood lovers and gatherings. Its vibrant, savory profile makes it a crowd-pleaser for special occasions or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch parsley ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 jar chopped garlic
- 1 lb. butter
- 3 cans tomato sauce
- 1.5 liters Lambrusco wine
- 1 package Italian spice (dried) ⓘ
- 1 palm full oregano ⓘ
- 1 palm full basil
- 5 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 cans clams ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large red onion ⓘ
- 2 lb. large shrimp ⓘ
- 2 lb. cocktail shrimp ⓘ
- 1 lb. scallops ⓘ
- 2 lb. red snapper ⓘ
- 10 to 12 lb. halibut or bass ⓘ
Instructions
- Mince the large red onion.
- In a large pan, melt 2 cubes of butter and cover the bottom with olive oil.
- Saute the onion until translucent.
- Add the mushrooms, clam pieces, and chopped parsley. Saute for a few minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce and Lambrusco wine. Bring to a simmer.
- Let it simmer for 20 minutes to 4 hours, adjusting as needed.
- About 5 minutes before serving, add the fish (red snapper, halibut or bass, and scallops).
- Five minutes before serving, add the shrimp, cocktail shrimp, small wine, and 2 cubes of butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade tomato sauce instead of canned. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half the butter with olive oil. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste, so feel free to use fresh basil and oregano instead of dried. Adjust the spice levels to your liking by adding red pepper flakes for a kick. This dish pairs wonderfully with Linguini With Clam Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chioppino in large bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs excellently with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of linguini. A glass of Lambrusco wine complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the flavors of the seafood. For a complete meal, consider serving a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine to prevent sticking. Be careful not to overcook the seafood when reheating, as it can become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chioppino contains roughly 2523 calories, with 35g protein, 181g carbohydrates, and 202g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (208% of the Daily Value), and calcium (151% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 774mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood as a convenient option. Just ensure it is fully thawed before adding to the dish to maintain proper cooking times. The flavor may slightly differ from fresh seafood, but it will still be delicious.
What types of fish can I substitute in this recipe?
You can substitute red snapper with other firm white fish like cod or tilapia. If you prefer a stronger flavor, try using salmon. Just ensure the fish you choose can hold up to simmering without falling apart.
Is there a vegetarian version of chioppino?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian chioppino by using vegetable broth as a base and adding a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and artichokes. Replace seafood with hearty plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh for a satisfying dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).