Cioppino: A Fine Kettle Of Fish

By á-170456

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (3 turns around pan in a slow stream)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 flat fillets of anchovies - (to 3) drained
• 6 garlic cloves crushed
• 1 fresh or dried bay leaf
• 2 celery ribs chopped
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 cup good-quality dry white wine
• 1 container chicken stock - (14 oz)
• 1 can chunky-style crushed tomatoes - (32 oz)
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme leaves removed
• 1 handful flat-leaf parsley chopped
• 1 1/2 pounds cod cut 2" chunks
• Coarse salt to taste
• Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
• 8 large shrimp peeled, deveined (or ask for deveined easy-peel)
• 8 sea scallops
• 16 raw mussels - (to 20) scrubbed
• A loaf of fresh crusty bread for mopping

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

In a large pot over moderate heat combine oil, crushed pepper, anchovies, garlic, and bay. Let anchovies melt into oil. The anchovies act as a natural salt, the pepper flakes will infuse the oil, providing heat.

Chop celery and onion near stove and add to the pot as you work. Saute vegetables for a few minutes to begin to soften and add wine to the pot. Reduce wine a minute, then add chicken stock, tomatoes, thyme, and parsley. Bring sauce to a bubble and reduce heat to medium low.

Season fish chunks with salt and pepper. Add fish and simmer 5 minutes, giving the pot a shake now and then. Do not stir your soup with a spoon after the addition of fish or you will break it up. Add shrimp, scallops, and mussels and cover pot. Cook 10 minutes, giving the pot a good shake now and again.

Remove the lid and discard any mussels that do not open. Carefully ladle stew into shallow bowls and pass bread at the table.

This recipe yields 4 healthy servings.