Cioppino(Cha-Pee-No)
A flavorful seafood stew blending fish, shrimp, and clams in a savory tomato broth, perfect for seafood lovers and ideal for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh fish fillets (cod works well) ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 c. white or red wine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. snipped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried and crushed or freshly snipped oregano ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried and crushed or freshly snipped basil ⓘ
- 12 oz. frozen shelled shrimp ⓘ
Instructions
- Thaw the shrimp if frozen.
- Remove any skin from the fish fillets and cut into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
- Cut the green pepper into 1/2-inch squares.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in the chopped green pepper and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste mixed with wine, salt, oregano, basil, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add the frozen shrimp and canned minced clams to the broth.
- Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the seafood is cooked through.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade seafood stock instead of water or wine. If you can't find fresh fish, frozen fillets will work as a substitute. You can also swap out the shrimp for other seafood like clams or mussels, similar to the popular Cozze Alla Marinara. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences, and feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cioppino hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping and a side salad for a complete meal. A glass of the same white or red wine used in cooking complements the dish wonderfully. For a heartier option, serve alongside a bowl of Shrimp In Red Sauce or a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the cioppino on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent the seafood from becoming tough. For best results, enjoy it fresh, as the flavors are most vibrant right after cooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cioppino(Cha-Pee-No) contains roughly 546 calories, with 21g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (179% of the Daily Value), and calcium (153% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2801mg per serving (122% 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 different types of seafood in cioppino?
Absolutely! Cioppino is very versatile. You can use various types of seafood such as clams, mussels, scallops, or even crab. Just ensure that the cooking times for different seafood are considered, adding them to the pot accordingly to achieve perfectly cooked results.
What can I serve with cioppino?
Cioppino is traditionally served with crusty bread for dipping, which is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. A light side salad or a simple vegetable dish complements it well. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside pasta or rice, which can absorb the delicious sauce.
How spicy is cioppino, and can I adjust the heat level?
Cioppino is typically mild, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference. If you enjoy spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, ensuring you achieve a balance that suits your palate.
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).