Crab Cioppino is a hearty seafood stew inspired by the Italian-American fishermen of San Francisco. Rich in garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, this dish is traditionally made with a variety of seafood, though this handwritten version emphasizes crab. Its bold flavors and comforting warmth have made cioppino a cherished dish for communal meals, especially during cold months or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 medium-sized onion (chopped)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig rosemary ( or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 5-6 leaves Swiss chard
- Peel of one stalk of celery (chopped)
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 2 cans water (use tomato can)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 whole live crabs
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- In a skillet, sauté parsley, onion, and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add bay leaf, rosemary, swiss chard, and celery peel.
Step 2: Add Tomato Base
- Stir in tomato sauce and water. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare Crab
- Break the back of the live crab. Wash thoroughly. Remove legs, cut down the center, and then crack open.
Step 4: Cook Crab in Sauce
- Add the cleaned crab to the tomato mixture. Add extra water to ensure crab is covered. Simmer for 1 hour.
Tips
- Add shellfish such as mussels, clams, or shrimp during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- For extra depth, sauté a small amount of tomato paste before adding tomato sauce.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Substitute Swiss chard with kale or spinach if preferred.
- Use fish stock instead of water for a richer broth.
- Add a splash of white wine when sautéing aromatics.
- Serve with toasted sourdough or garlic bread.
- Add fennel bulb for a classic cioppino anise flavor.
- If using pre-cooked crab, reduce second simmer to 20 to 25 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley or fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 32gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 970mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 5200IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 4mg
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