Cioppino

 Ingredients: 500 g fish fillets (can be a mix of different kinds) 500 shrimp 500 scallops 1 medium onion 2-3 cloves of crushed garlic 250 ml chicken broth (or if you have fish broth) 1 can of 400g chopped tomatoes (or tomato juice) thyme 1 bay leaf sweet cream (3 tablespoons) chili powder

To prepare a delicious and comforting dish, we start by ensuring we have all the necessary ingredients at hand. In a deep skillet or pot, we add a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, we add the finely chopped onion. It is important to sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about two minutes, as this will release its natural sweetness and give our dish a special flavor. After the onion has sautéed, we add the crushed garlic, which will add an intense aroma. We mix well, letting the garlic sauté for a minute, being careful not to burn it.

Now it is time to introduce the freshly cut fish pieces, which we will sauté together with the onion and garlic. We let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to ensure the fish cooks evenly. Once the fish starts to change color, we add the dried thyme, bay leaf, and chicken broth, which will add extra flavor and enrich the sauce. We let it simmer for about five minutes, during which the flavors will combine perfectly.

The next step is to remove the bay leaf and add the diced tomatoes, which will bring a touch of freshness to the dish. We continue to let everything simmer until the sauce starts to boil again. Now it is time to add the clams, which we will cover to help them open. We let it cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, until all the clams have opened. It is essential to discard any clams that have not opened, as they are not edible.

After the clams are ready, we add the shrimp, which will bring a crunchy texture and wonderful flavor. We let everything simmer for another five minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and juicy. Now we can add the chili powder, adjusting the level of spiciness of the dish according to personal preferences, and the sweet cream, which will give the sauce a special creaminess.

To serve, we take out the fish, clams, and shrimp into a bowl, and let the sauce simmer for another two minutes to thicken slightly. Once the sauce is ready, we generously pour it over the seafood. The dish is served hot and, for a special touch, we can sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top, which will add not only color but also a fresh note.

This recipe is perfect for a dinner among friends or for a special occasion. Personally, I used dried thyme from my mother's garden, but also a pot of 'French thyme', which adds a unique and more intense flavor. Experiment with the amount of chili powder to find the perfect balance between flavor and heat. This dish will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring joy to the hearts of those who savor it.

 Tags:  onion chicken meat garlic tomatoes telemea pepper sour cream over gluten-free recipes