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| Cioppino |
| San Francisco's Italian immigrants are credited with creating the delicious fish stew known as Cioppino. Say "chuh-PEE-noh". Cioppino is hearty and spicy, made with tomatoes and a variety of fish and shellfish. Ingredients 4 large garlic cloves, minced 2 medium white onions, finely chopped 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled 1 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes coarse salt freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 1/2 cups dry red wine 1 [28- to 32-oz] can whole plum tomatoes, drained, reserving juice, and chopped 1 cup bottled clam juice 1 cup chicken broth 1 [1-lb] king crab leg, thawed if frozen 18 small [2-inch] hard-shelled clams [1 1/2 lb.] such as littlenecks, scrubbed 1 lb. skinless red snapper or halibut fillets, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces 1 lb. large shrimp [16 to 20], shelled [tails and bottom segment of shells left intact] 3/4 lb. sea scallops, tough muscle removed from side of each if necessary 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil Garnish shredded fresh basil leaves and small whole leaves Accompaniment focaccia or sourdough bread Method Cook garlic, onions, bay leaf, oregano, and red pepper flakes with salt and pepper in oil in an 8-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring, until onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepperand tomato paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add wine and boil until reduced by about half, 5 to 6 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juice, clam juice, and broth and simmer, covered, 30 minutes.Season with salt and pepper. While stew is simmering, hack crab leg through shell into 2- to 3-inch pieces with a large heavy knife. Add crab pieces and clams to stew and simmer, covered, until clams just open, 5 to 10 minutes, checking every minute after 5 minutes and transferring opened clams to a bowl with tongs or a slotted spoon. [Discard any unopened clams after 10 minutes]. Lightly season fish fillets, shrimp, and scallops with salt and add to stew, then simmer, covered, until just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf, then return clams to pot and gently stir in parsley and basil. Serve cioppino immediately in large soup bowls. Cook's Note The stew — without seafood — can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, uncovered, then chill, covered. Bring to a simmer before adding seafood. |