Cioppino Recipe or Zuppa Di Pesce

Step 1

In a very large cast iron pot heat up the olive oil and saute the onion and leeks with a pinch of sea salt until translucent. Add the anchovies, carrot, celery, parsnip and bell peppers and saute together until they start to caramelize, about 20 minutes. Add the bay leaves, oregano, red pepper flakes and deglaze the pot with the white wine making sure to scrape all the brown bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer until reduced by half.

Step 2

Add the canned tomatoes to the pot together with the stock and bring to a simmer. Partially cover with a lid and let it simmer away on very low flame for 30 minutes.

Step 3

Add all the clams and mussels to the pot together with the lobster tails and simmer uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes until all the clams and mussels have opened and the lobster shells have turned bright red. Discard any clams/mussels that haven’t opened

Step 4

About 5 minutes after adding the clams, mussels and lobster also add the shrimp and squid tentacles so they will all be ready at the same time. The shrimp will turn pink and curl up.

Step 5

Adjust seasonings, stir in the fresh basil and lemon juice, then cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight for the flavors to marry.

Step 6

Reheat before serving and char a few thick slices of crusty bread, rub them with garlic and brush with olive oil to mop all the Cioppino juices from your bowl. Serve with the lemon juice and fresh parsley on top.