This rich and flavorful seafood stew features shrimp, clams, fish, and more, all simmered in a savory tomato and wine broth. Serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth!
**Ingredients:** 
*For the Cioppino:*
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced (optional)
– 1 large red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup tomato paste
– 1 1/2 cups dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
– 4 cups seafood or fish stock (or chicken broth)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 lb clams, scrubbed
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb white fish, cut into chunks (cod, halibut, etc.)
– 1/2 lb crab meat (optional but enhances flavor)
– Fresh parsley and chives, chopped (for garnish)
– Crusty bread, toasted (for serving)
**Instructions:**
1. **Create the Base:**
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion, garlic, fennel (if using), and red bell pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
2. **Incorporate Tomatoes and Wine:**
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, white wine, and stock.
Season with oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. **Add the Seafood:**
Begin by adding the clams. Cover the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to open.
Next, add the shrimp, white fish, and crab meat (if using).
Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked, and the clams have opened. Discard any clams that remain closed.
4. **Serve:**
Ladle the cioppino into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and chives.
Serve immediately with toasted, crusty bread for dipping.
**Tips:**
– Feel free to customize with your favorite seafood—mussels, scallops, or squid work wonderfully in this dish!
– If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
– A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish perfectly!