LA CUCINA VIGNETO ....... CIOPPINO

I've been inspired by Monique's posts on Mediterranean food. Her site is so beautiful. Cioppino (Fisherman's Stew) was on the menu at our house last night. This is a very flavorful soup, easy to make and a favorite at our casa.

CIOPPINO

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

2 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice

1 can (14 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes and juice

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced finely

1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced

1 bay leaf, whole

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 quart fish or chicken stock

1 pound firm, white-fleshed fish, cut in chunks

1/2 pound sea scallops, cut in chunks if large

1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or cilantro

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or soup pot and saute the onion and bell pepper until soft.

2. Meanwhile, in blender, puree the sun-dried tomatoes with the bottle of clam juice until smooth.

3. Add the tomato-clam puree to the pot, along with the diced tomatoes, garlic, herbs and wine. Allow to simmer for about 20 minutes.

4. Season the fish chunks with the salt, pepper and fennel seeds and set aside.

5. Add the seasoned fish to the pot and simmer another 5 to 10 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Discard bay leaf.

6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with a tablespoon of the cheese and a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.

From: The Low Carb CookwoRX Cookbook

Notes: I used white wine instead of the red and omitted the sun-dried tomatoes and clam juice this time because I didn't have them in the pantry. I use Baby Sea Scallops and because we love mussels - I steamed some and added those as well.
Great with crusty French Bread.....................................................
and a crisp white wine............... Perhaps ~ Attems Pinot Grigio Collio 2007
Cheers!

Ry

copyright: Sotto Il Monte Vineyards - do not use without permission

Photography By: Ryannan Bryer de Hickman ~ Sotto Il Monte Vineyards