Shellfish cioppino

4 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
-JUDI M. PHELPS
¼ cup Extra-virgin olive oil
1 large Onion; chopped
3 larges Garlic cloves; chopped
¼ teaspoon Crushed hot pepper flakes
2 Celery ribs; chopped
2 mediums Carrots; peeled and chopped
1 cup Dry red wine
28 ounces Can Italian crushed tomatoes (in puree)
1½ cup Water
1 tablespoon Fresh oregano; chopped OR
1 teaspoon Dried oregano
1 teaspoon Fresh rosemary ; chopped OR
⅛ teaspoon Dried rosemary
12 Crab claws; cracked and preferably Dungeness, fresh or defrosted frozen
12 To 14 clams; soft-shell or cherrystones; scrubbed clean
12 To 14 mussels; scrubbed clean
3 tablespoons Fresh parsley;chopped
2 tablespoons Fresh basil; chopped OR
1 teaspoon Dried 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@...

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