Cioppino - Fish Stew

This is a classic fisherman stew made easy for all of us busy moms! It is a very versatile dish in terms of types of fish and seafood that can be used in it depending on one's preference. In our household we are not big fans of mussels and clams, so I make it with fresh fish cubes and sometimes also add shrimp to it. Benefits of eating wild fish are known to all of us, we try to have it at least once a week for diner I hope you are too!

I buy fish cubes from Freshdirect.com which is perfect for this particular dish. They have scarps from daily boat of fresh fish they get. Once they cut out steaks and fillet it some small pieces are left to make this is a perfect option for this recipe. It is assorted fresh fish cubes ready to be made! I start with 2 lb. of fish cubes, usually 3 different types like tuna, salmon and some type of white fish, works out great as they all have different flavours. Wash the fish cubes and pat dry.

Take one fennel bulb (save the top part for garnishing later), one large onion and few garlic cloves or a table spoon of garlic paste. Cut in thin slices and start in the pot with extra virgin olive oil. Saute till all translucent for about 15 minutes. Add in sea salt, black pepper and 2 table spoons of tomato paste or organic ketchup, and stir till all incorporated.

Then add one glass of a good white wine and one 28-ounces can of organic chopped tomatoes in juice (or fire roasted tomatoes) and one pack (4cups)of organic fish stock which is widely available in supermarket organic section(or substitute with water), cover and bring to boil then reduce to simmer and leave for 30 minutes.

If you are making this in advance do it up to this step. I have served this at diner parties and it was great success. Once you are ready to serve it just bring the pot to a boil again and drop fish cubes in. Simmer gently on low flame for 10-15 minutes. I like fish to be poached in this sauce if you like it softer consistency leave it for a few minutes longer.

To serve it ladle in in deep soup bowl garnish with chopped fennel tops and serve it with a big piece of rustic country bread.

Enjoy and Happy Eating!