Mad Cioppino
Mad Cioppino is a hearty seafood stew with rich tomato broth, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for seafood lovers seeking bold flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 large green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 12+ cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 (28 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 24 clams ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. crab ⓘ
- 1 lb. shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 lb. scallops ⓘ
- 1 lb. fish fillet, cut into 2-inch chunks ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes, white wine, minced parsley, salt, basil, black pepper, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium, add the clams, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the crab, shrimp, scallops, and fish chunks to the pot.
- Cook for 5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and the scallops lose transparency.
- Serve hot with French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For an added depth of flavor, consider using homemade seafood stock instead of water for cooking. If you can't find fresh seafood, frozen varieties work well too. You can also substitute the fish fillet with your favorite white fish. Adjust the spice level with a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. This dish also pairs perfectly with Italian recipes like Pasta With Seafood Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cioppino hot with crusty French bread for dipping. A side salad or garlic bread complements the dish well. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light white wine or a refreshing citrus salad. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and can be easily doubled for larger groups.
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 low heat, adding a splash of water or seafood stock if it seems too thick. Avoid boiling as it can overcook the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mad Cioppino contains roughly 2419 calories, with 173g protein, 412g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (585% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (575% of the Daily Value), and protein (346% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 this cioppino?
Absolutely! Cioppino is versatile, and you can customize it with various seafood such as mussels, squid, or even lobster. Just ensure that the cooking times are appropriate for each type to achieve the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this recipe more spicy?
To spice things up, you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the broth while it simmers. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Another option is to serve with a spicy aioli on the side for dipping.
What type of wine is best for cooking cioppino?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for this cioppino. The acidity and flavor profile enhance the overall dish. Avoid sweet wines as they can alter the taste of the broth. Use a wine that you enjoy drinking for the best results.
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).