Shellfish cioppino

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
-JUDI M. PHELPS
¼cupExtra-virgin olive oil
1largeOnion; chopped
3largesGarlic cloves; chopped
¼teaspoonCrushed hot pepper flakes
2Celery ribs; chopped
2mediumsCarrots; peeled and chopped
1cupDry red wine
28ouncesCan Italian crushed tomatoes (in puree)
cupWater
1tablespoonFresh oregano; chopped OR
1teaspoonDried oregano
1teaspoonFresh rosemary ; chopped OR
teaspoonDried rosemary
12Crab claws; cracked and preferably Dungeness, fresh or defrosted frozen
12To 14 clams; soft-shell or cherrystones; scrubbed clean
12To 14 mussels; scrubbed clean
3tablespoonsFresh parsley;chopped
2tablespoonsFresh basil; chopped OR
1teaspoonDried basil
Crusty Italian bread
Freshly ground pepper

Directions

In a nonreactive large, flameproof casserole, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onion 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic and hot pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Stir in celery and carrots and cook until softened and just turning golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add wine, tomatoes, water, oregano, and rosemary. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat until liquid is reduced by one fourth, 8 to 10 minutes. Add crab and cover. Cook over medium-high heat 3 minutes. Add clams and mussels and cook until opened and crab claws are bright red, 3 to 4 minutes longer. Discard any clams or mussels that did not open.

Sprinkle with parsley and basil. Serve in shallow soup bowls with thick crusty bread, passing a pepper mill on the side.

Judi's Notes: The above recipe is a basic Cioppino recipe. I usually double the amount of tomatoes and wine and add ½ cup of clam juice to the tomato wine mixture. I add an extra garlic clove, and then add about ½ lb each scallops and shrimp and a couple pieces of firm fish such as halibut, swordfish, or whatever is in season. Be sure to add the scallops and shrimp at the very end of the cooking time or they will be too tough to even eat and will taste like rubber. Make sure you have plenty of napkins, seafood shell crackers, and a plate or bowl for discarded shells. Enjoy! Source: 365 Easy Italian Recipes.

Shared and MM by Judi M. Phelps. Jphelps@..., juphelps@..., or jphelps@...