If you’re craving Alaskan seafood, try out a new recipe to heighten its tasty flavors with authentic cioppino. Hailing from Italy, this hearty fish stew contains a variety of seafood, so it's sure to hit the spot. 

What Gives Cioppino Its Flavor?

Like bouillabaisse, which is France’s version of a fisherman's stew, cioppino has a tomato base. The recipe generally calls for both tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Toss in some fish stock and a cup or two of dry white wine, and the broth is well on its way to becoming a mouthwatering meal.

To add various flavors, popular ingredients include onions, shallots, garlic, fennel, and crushed red pepper flakes. No simmering stew is complete without a few bay leaves. 

What makes the dish unforgettable, though, is the Alaskan seafood. Every good ciopppino starts with firm-fleshed fish fillets, like salmon or halibut. Cut these fillets into two-inch chunks, and toss them in once the broth has thickened and the flavors have blended. Simmer until just cooked through, and you’ll have tender, juicy, bite-sized pieces bathing in an aromatic tomato broth. 

Experts suspect cioppino gets its name from the way the fillets are chopped. The dish is similar to a popular fisherman’s chowder that hails from northwest Italy, called “Ciuppin,” which means “chopped.”

What Should I Serve With Cioppino?

Like any hearty Alaskan seafood dish, cioppino goes perfectly with wine. If you used halibut in the recipe, serve it with chardonnay, which has dynamic flavors that will complement the fish’s milder one.

If, on the other hand, you used salmon, pinot noir will pair well. The red wine’s complex flavor and spicy notes will bring out the rich flavor of the salmon.

Don't forget the bread. Every fisherman's stew should be served with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth at the end of the meal. 

If cioppino’s on the menu, stock up on Alaskan seafood from Alaska Sausage & Seafood. Based in Anchorage, this company ships fresh fish and smoked seafood nationwide. Founded in 1963, they remain committed to supplying only the highest quality products to their loyal customers. To view their offerings, visit their website, and call (907) 562-3636 to place an order.