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Crab Cioppino
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.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine cajun/creole, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 310 kcal

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
Keyword comfort food, Crab, crab stew, creole imnspired, handwritten recipe, heirloom recipe, rustic cooking, seafood, Stew, tomato-based seafood, vintage
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